🍑 How to Create a Trust in Georgia (2025 Guide)

Want to protect your assets, avoid probate in Georgia, or pass on wealth to future generations? A properly built trust can help you do all of this — without hiring a high-priced estate attorney.

This guide walks you through every step to create a valid, legally sound trust in Georgia.

🔎 What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement where you transfer property to someone (the trustee) who holds and manages it for your beneficiaries.

The most popular in Georgia is the Revocable Living Trust, which allows you to:

• Avoid probate court

• Maintain full control of your assets while alive

• Plan for incapacity or death

• Keep your estate private

📍 Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Trust in Georgia

Let’s break it down:

1. Choose the Type of Trust

Most Georgians start with:

• ✅ Revocable Living Trust

• Optional:
   ☐ Minor’s Trust
   ☐ Special Needs Trust
   ☐ Spendthrift Trust
   ☐ Dynasty Trust

✅ TrustGenie includes all of these options in its guided trust builder.

2. Assign the Parties

• Grantor – the person creating the trust (you)

• Trustee – manages trust assets (often you)

• Successor Trustee – steps in when needed

• Beneficiaries – who receives the assets

3. List Your Assets

Include everything you want protected:
☐ Georgia real estate (home, land, etc.)
☐ Bank accounts (checking, savings)
☐ Investment & retirement accounts
☐ Vehicles
☐ Business ownership (LLC, Corp, etc.)
☐ Life insurance
☐ Valuables, art, collectibles

✅ TrustGenie offers a Schedule A asset template and transfer guide.

4. Sign the Trust (Georgia Requirements)

• Must be in writing

• Must be signed and dated by the grantor

• Notarization is strongly recommended (not legally required but protects against disputes)

✅ TrustGenie includes Georgia signing instructions with every plan.

5. Fund the Trust

Transferring assets into the trust is essential:

☐ File a Georgia Warranty Deed to transfer real estate
☐ Retitle bank and brokerage accounts
☐ Assign personal property using a General Assignment
☐ Work with your car title office if transferring vehicle ownership
☐ Update beneficiary forms where applicable (optional)

🚨 Unfunded trusts don’t avoid probate — don’t skip this step.

⚠️ Common Mistakes in Georgia

❌ Not retitling real estate or financial accounts
❌ Not naming a backup trustee
❌ Using a will instead of a trust — wills go through probate in Georgia
❌ Leaving minor children assets without a sub-trust
❌ Thinking notarization is optional — it’s not legally required, but highly recommended

💰 How Much Does It Cost?

OptionAvg. CostEstate Attorney$2,000 – $4,500Generic Templates$100 – $500TrustGenie Plan$150/year (includes GA-specific documents)

🧠 Can I Make My Own Trust in Georgia?

Yes — Georgia law allows individuals to create trusts without an attorney, as long as:

• The document is in writing

• Properly signed by the grantor

• Clearly names a trustee, beneficiaries, and intent

• Assets are transferred into the trust

✅ TrustGenie makes this easy with smart documents and support.

📎 Download: Georgia Trust Checklist

Keep your planning on track. Our free checklist includes:

• Signing and notarization guide

• Deed transfer reminders

• Asset list + trust funding worksheet

📥 [Download the Georgia Checklist]

✅ Ready to Create Your Trust?

Don’t wait for probate court to drain your family’s time and money.

👉 [Start with TrustGenie – $150/year Full Access]

🔗 Related Posts:

• [How to Transfer Georgia Real Estate into a Trust]

• [Does Georgia Require a Will if I Have a Trust?]

• [Special Needs Planning in Georgia]

✍️ Written by:

TrustGenie Legal Team
Clear, Legal, and Affordable Trusts — Built for Georgia