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Sample Forms The American College of Trust and Estate

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Termination of Grantor Retained Annuity Trust in Favor of Existing Life Insurance Trust

Trust Agreement made on (date), between

, of , hereinafter called the Grantor, and , of , hereinafter called the Trustee.

I. Trust Created and Purposes.

A. The Trustee has received from the Grantor the assets listed on the attached Schedule A, made a part of this Agreement by this reference, to be administered according to the terms of this Agreement. No one may transfer any additional assets to the Trust. The Grantor retains no right, title, or interest in any Trust property, except as specifically provided in Section III.

B. This Paragraph B contains a statement of the Grantor's reasons for establishing this Trust. Every provision of this instrument shall be construed consistently with these expressed intentions and purposes.

1. The Grantor intends by this Trust to make a completed gift to the , dated , of a remainder in the Trust property, subject only to the Grantor's retention of a right to the annuity described in Section III for years and a contingent power of appointment. The Grantor intends that, except as may be provided in this instrument, interest in this Trust shall give only those rights which are ordinarily associated with an annuity interest in Trust for a term for years and that it endow with no rights inconsistent with the same.

2. The Grantor intends that annuity interest in this Trust constitute a qualified interest under the applicable regulations of the United States Department of the Treasury promulgated with respect to Code Section 2702, and all terms used in this instrument shall have the same meaning in this instrument as they do in the Code and the applicable regulations.

II. Irrevocability. This Trust and all interests in it are irrevocable, and the Grantor has no power to alter, amend, revoke, or terminate any Trust provision or interest, whether under this instrument or any statute or rule of law.

III. During Trust Term.

A. From the date of this instrument until the anniversary of it, the Trustee shall pay to the Grantor an Annuity Amount equal to % of the initial value of the Trust fund. The Annuity Amount shall be paid in equal quarterly installments from income and, to the extent income is insufficient, from principal.

1. In determining the Annuity Amount, the Trustee shall prorate the Annuity Amount on a daily basis for short taxable years, including (if applicable) the year of the Grantor's death.

2. Any Trust income not distributed to the Grantor as part of the Annuity Amount shall be added to principal.

3. The Trustee may distribute neither income nor corpus to anyone other than the Grantor before the termination of the Trust.

4. If the initial net fair market value of the Trust assets is incorrectly determined by the Trustee, then within a reasonable period after the final determination of the correct value, the Trustee shall pay to the Grantor, in case of an undervaluation, or the Grantor shall pay to the Trustee, in the case of an overvaluation, an amount equal to the difference between the Annuity Amount properly payable and the Annuity Amount actually paid, plus interest on such amounts computed at the rate required by the applicable Treasury Department regulations or, if there are no such regulations, the rate used for valuing Annuity Interests under Code Section 664, compounded annually.

5. The Grantor's interest in this Trust may not be commuted.

B. If the Grantor dies before the anniversary of the date of this instrument, the Trustee shall distribute the Trust funds to those persons and in those shares as the Grantor shall designate by specific reference to this power of appointment in last will. The Grantor may appoint these Trust funds to any of descendants, any Trust created for any of descendants, , any Trust created for , and to estate, as chooses. The Grantor may exercise this power to appoint the Trust funds outright or in Trust, and either equally or unequally among these potential appointees, and may exclude some altogether. The Grantor intends that this power of appointment be a general power of appointment as defined for federal estate tax purposes, and all provisions of this instrument shall be construed consistently with this intent. The Trustee shall distribute any unappointed Trust funds to the Trustee of the , dated , to be held and administered as part of that Trust.

C. On the anniversary of the date of this instrument, if the Grantor is then living, the Trustee shall distribute the Trust funds to the Trustee of the , dated , to be held and administered as part of that Trust.

IV. The Trustee.

A. is the initial Trustee of this Trust. The Grantor may, at any time and from time to time, remove the then-serving Trustee and appoint instead as successor Trustee any corporation authorized to render Trust services. This power to remove a corporate Trustee shall be exercised by a writing delivered to the then-serving corporate Trustee, indicating the removal's effective date, the name of the successor Trustee, and the successor Trustee's Agreement to serve.

B. Any Trustee may resign by giving written notice specifying the effective date of the resignation to the Grantor or legal guardian. Whenever there shall be a vacancy in the office of Trustee, a successor Trustee shall be named by the Grantor or legal guardian.

C. No Trustee shall be required to obtain the order of any court to exercise any power or discretion under this Trust.

D. No Trustee shall be required to file any accounting with any public official. The Trustee must, however, maintain accurate records concerning the Trust. Each year, furthermore, the Trustee shall furnish an annual accounting of the Trust's condition, including receipts and disbursements, to the Grantor or legal guardian. This required accounting may be satisfied by a copy of the Trust's federal income-tax return, if one is required, or by the usual accountings of the Trustee, if there is one.

E. Each Trustee is entitled to compensation based on its published fee schedule in effect at the time its services are rendered.

V. Powers of Trustee. The Trustee is exclusively empowered to do the following:

A. To hold and retain all or any property received from any source, without regard to diversification.

B. To invest and reinvest the Trust funds in any type of property and every kind of investment, including (but not limited to) corporate obligations of every kind, preferred or common stocks, securities of any regulated investment trust, state and local bonds, and partnership interests.

C. To participate passively in the operation of any productive business or other enterprise, and to incorporate, dissolve, or otherwise change the form of such business, but the Trustee shall do nothing that would constitute the conduct of an active trade or business by the Trust.

D. To deposit Trust funds in any commercial interest-bearing savings or savings and loan accounts.

E. To borrow money for any reasonable Trust purpose and upon such terms, including (but not limited to) interest rates, security, and loan duration, as the Trustee deems advisable.

F. To lend Trust funds to such persons and on such terms including (but not limited to) interest rates, security, and loan duration, as the Trustee deems advisable, but it may not lend Trust funds without an adequate rate of interest.

G. To sell or otherwise dispose of Trust assets, including (but not limited to) Trust real property, for cash or credit, at public or private sale, and with such warranties or indemnifications as the Trustee deems advisable.

H. To buy assets of any type from any person on such terms, including (but not limited to) cash or credit, interest rates, and security, as the Trustee deems advisable.

I. To improve, develop, manage, lease, or abandon any Trust assets, as the Trustee deems advisable.

J. To hold property in the name of any Trustee or any custodian or nominee, without disclosing this Trust, but it is responsible for the acts of any custodian or nominee it so uses.

K. To pay and advance money for the protection of the Trust and for all expenses, losses, and liabilities sustained in its administration.

L. To prosecute or defend any action for the protection of the Trust, the Trustee in the performance of the Trustee's duties, or both, and to pay, contest, or settle any claim by or against the Trust or the Trustee in the performance of its duties.

M. To employ persons, even if they are associated with the Trustee, to advise or assist the Trustee in the performance of its duties.

N. To distribute Trust assets in kind or in cash, without regard to the income-tax basis of any asset so distributed.

O. To allocate receipts and disbursements to principal or income, in accordance with applicable local law and practice, except that in the absence of any specific local law, the Trustee shall follow the rules and principles of the Revised Uniform Principal and Income Act, as adopted and most recently revised (at the time of such allocation) by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.

P. To execute and deliver any instruments necessary or useful in the exercise of any of these powers.

VI. Definitions and Miscellaneous.

A. The Grantor is the unmarried of at the time this Trust is executed, and has children,

B. All tax-related terms mean the same things in this Trust instrument as they mean in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and any regulations under the Code.

C. This Trust shall be governed by and construed according to the law of .

D. Whenever the context of this Trust requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and vice versa, and the singular number includes the plural, and vice versa.

(Signature of Grantor)

(Printed Name of Grantor)

(Signature of Trustee)

(Printed Name of Trustee)

(Acknowledgments)

(Attachment of schedule)

Enter text✕

What the Sample Forms Are and how they’re used

Sample Forms The American College of Trust and Estate is a curated set of model estate-planning documents, including sample wills, revocable and irrevocable trust agreements, durable powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and trustee forms. These templates provide standardized language and execution notes intended for attorneys, paralegals, fiduciaries, and advanced students to adapt for client matters. They are reference templates, not a substitute for jurisdictional legal advice. When used electronically, ensure execution and witnessing meet state rules and federal frameworks such as the ESIGN Act and state UETA or ESRA requirements.

Why standardized sample forms are useful

Using the Sample Forms from The American College of Trust and Estate helps standardize estate documents, reduce drafting time, and highlight key execution steps. They simplify review by attorneys and trustees while clarifying witness, notary, and retention requirements tied to state and federal rules.

Why standardized sample forms are useful

Typical users and practical contexts

Common users include estate attorneys, trust officers, fiduciaries, and legal clinics that adapt templates for client matters.

  • Estate planning attorneys preparing wills, trusts, and related execution documents for clients.
  • Bank trust departments and corporate fiduciaries using trustee forms and account instructions.
  • Law students and paralegals training on standard language and state execution differences.

Use these templates as starting points and confirm state-specific witnessing, notarization, and probate requirements before finalizing.

Who signs and executes these forms

Estate Attorney

An estate planning attorney drafts and customizes sample forms for clients, ensures state compliance, advises on witness and notary requirements, and supervises execution. Attorneys should confirm whether ESIGN/UETA apply to the transaction and whether any testamentary exceptions require in-person procedures.

Personal Representative

A personal representative or executor uses sample forms to inventory assets, prepare probate filings, and communicate with beneficiaries. They must follow court rules for probate filings and maintain detailed records to satisfy fiduciary duties and potential audits.

Key parts of a professional sample estate or trust form

Professional Sample Forms include clear recitals, defined terms, trustee powers, signature blocks, execution instructions, and appendices for schedules and exhibits.

Preamble

States parties, intent, and effective date. A clear preamble frames property transfers, fiduciary relationships, and the document's scope to avoid ambiguity during probate or trust administration.

Definitions

Defines terms such as grantor, settlor, trustee, beneficiary, dispositive language, and successor trustee. Consistent definitions prevent conflicting interpretations and support precise drafting across related documents.

Powers

Specifies trustee authorities (investment, distribution, amendment) and limits. Include spendthrift clauses, discretionary distribution standards, and successor appointment mechanisms tailored to client goals and state law.

Execution

Prescribes signing blocks, witness requirements, and notary language. Include sample attestation and self-proving affidavit language where permitted by jurisdiction to streamline probate proceedings.

Schedules

Attach asset schedules, beneficiary designations, and property lists as separate exhibits. Clear schedules aid valuation, transfer, and beneficiary identification during administration or trustee accounting.

Drafting Notes

Drafting notes explain optional clauses, tax consequences, trust accounting points, and references to federal or state statutes that affect enforceability, creditor claims, and tax reporting obligations.

Essential data fields to include

Grantor/Settlor: Full legal name as on ID
Trust Name: Exact trust title and date
Beneficiaries: Full legal names and contact info
Property Description: Address or asset identifiers
Effective Date: Enter as MM/DD/YYYY format
Signature Block: Signature and date for each party

Step-by-step: completing and executing a sample form

Follow these steps to complete and execute a sample trust or will accurately, including witnessing and notary steps where required.

  • 01
    Prepare Document: Choose correct template and customize terms
  • 02
    Complete Fields: Fill names, dates, asset descriptions accurately
  • 03
    Execute with Witnesses: Arrange required witnesses and notarization per state
  • 04
    Retain Copies: Store signed originals and electronic copies securely

Common online workflow settings for estates and trusts

Typical online workflow configurations for e-signing, authentication, and document routing in trust and estate templates.

Field Configuration
Signer Authentication Email link plus optional SMS code or KBA
Signing Order Sequential or parallel signer order per document
Required Attachments Attach ID, asset schedules, or supporting affidavits
Notary Integration Support in-person and RON sessions where allowed

Where signed forms are filed or sent

Document routing depends on the instrument: probate court, county recorder, trustee files, or retaining parties and counsel.

  • Probate Court: File original will per local court rules
  • County Recorder: Record deeds and property transfers when required
  • Trustee Records: Provide executed trust to successor trustee and bank
  • Client & Counsel: Send certified electronic copies to client and attorney

Technical and compliance considerations for electronic execution

Choose a platform that supports secure e-signatures, comprehensive audit trails, role-based access, and optional remote notarization for estate documents.

  • File Types: Accepts PDF, DOCX, HTML
  • Integrations: Connects with CRM, storage, and case management
  • Authentication: Supports email, SMS, SSO, and advanced methods

Typical timelines and processing expectations

Typical timelines and processing expectations for executing and processing estate documents, plus recording and probate steps that vary by county and state.

Execution Date:

Effective on the date signed or as stated in the document

Probate Filing Window:

File as soon as practicable after death per local rules

Recording Deeds:

County recording typically processes within 1–4 weeks

Trust Administration:

Initial inventory and notice often due within 30–90 days

Tax Filings:

Prepare federal and state filings per IRS and state deadlines

Common mistakes to avoid when using sample forms

  • Failing to adapt template language to state law, leading to invalid clauses or conflicts with mandatory statutory provisions that control wills, trusts, or powers of attorney.
  • Using inconsistent party names or abbreviations across sections, which can cause confusion in probate or trust administration and trigger additional litigation or corrections.
  • Skipping required witness or notarization steps for testamentary instruments; e-signature alone may be insufficient for wills and similar documents in most jurisdictions.
  • Omitting asset schedules, beneficiary contact details, or successor trustee provisions, which delays administration and complicates fiduciary duties and accounting.

Consequences of incorrect or incomplete forms

Invalid Instrument: Document may be void
Probate Delay: Longer court processing
Tax Penalties: Late or incorrect filings
Fiduciary Liability: Breach claims against trustees
Recording Rejection: County may refuse recording
Increased Costs: Attorney and court expenses

Electronic signature versus digital signature: key differences

Understanding technical and legal differences between general electronic signatures and PKI-based digital signatures helps choose the right level of assurance.

Criteria Electronic signature Digital signature
Definition any electronic mark pki cryptographic signature
Technology varied methods public-key infrastructure
Legal Effect binding under esign/ueta binding; stronger evidence
Non-repudiation audit trail evidence certificate-based non-repudiation

Practical examples from organizations using online signing

Real-world examples show how secure e-signature and template use accelerate execution and reduce administrative friction for estate practitioners.

Optica Ventures

Optica Ventures streamlined client signings by adopting standardized trust and estate templates with an online signing workflow that clients found intuitive and fast.

  • Interface simplicity improved customer completion rates.
  • Brian Fitzgibbons (COO) observed that the interface is simple for staff and clients, reducing follow-ups, accelerating execution, and improving document turnaround while lowering execution errors during trust funding.

Fertility Centers of Illinois

A healthcare provider standardized consent and trustee forms using online templates to collect signatures across clinics and remote patients, maintaining HIPAA considerations.

  • API integrations connected EMR and signing workflows.
  • John Butler noted responsive support and effective API integration, which reduced administrative delays and allowed signed documents to be integrated into patient records securely, improving record completeness and auditability.

eSignature vendor pricing and capability snapshot

Basic pricing and key capability differences across common enterprise e-signature providers; signNow is listed first per comparison format.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no card Varies by plan and vendor Varies by plan and vendor Varies by plan and vendor Varies by plan and vendor
Bulk Send Yes (available on select plans) Yes (enterprise options) Yes (enterprise options) Yes (available) Varies by plan
Audit Trail Yes, full audit trail Yes, full audit trail Yes, full audit trail Yes, full audit trail Yes, full audit trail
HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA available) Yes (BAA available) Yes (BAA available) Varies by plan Varies by plan
Envelope Cap No envelope cap 100 envelopes/user/year limit Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Frequently asked questions about executing sample estate and trust forms

Answers to common questions about executing, validating, and storing Sample Forms from The American College of Trust and Estate.


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