What Is a Reversible Living Trust?

In order to shelter assets from the probate courts and taxation, many people choose to create a trust. In a trust, a grantor transfers property to the care of a trustee and names a beneficiary who will inherit the property. There are many different kinds of trust, but two main forms affect how a grantor may handle the assets. These are revocable (or reversible) and irrevocable.

With an irrevocable trust, the grantor gives up all control over the trust and its assets when he creates it. All decisions on handling the assets are made by the trustee, who must follow any direction or instructions that the trust contains. The grantor no longer has personal ownership of the assets the trust contains, and the assets are no longer a part of the grantor's estate for tax or probate purposes.

A revocable trust is also known as a reversible living trust. As long as the grantor is alive and capable of handling his affairs, he keeps control over the trust and its assets by naming himself as the trustee. He can terminate the trust, transfer ownership of assets back to himself or distribute the assets to beneficiaries when he chooses. Assets within a reversible trust remain part of the grantor's estate for tax purposes, so there is no tax advantage.

The most important advantage in a reversible trust is avoiding probate. In addition, a reversible trust allows control, as the grantor, who is also the trustee, can invest the assets, buy or sell property and distribute the income from the trust. If the grantor becomes incapacitated, the trust can appoint another trustee, if necessary, and still hold assets outside of the probate court process, which can save a considerable amount of money in legal fees and court costs.

Read More: Responsibilities of a Successor Trustee Upon the Trustees' Deaths

You can revoke a reversible trust at any time. You may also change the trust beneficiaries if you wish, or amend the distribution of assets. On the death of the grantor, the trust becomes irrevocable. Any assets outside of the trust will still be subject to probate, unless you have drawn up a back-up will to distribute these assets to your heirs.