Define the purpose of the trust
Choose the type of trust
Select the grantor
Name the trustee
Identify the beneficiaries
Decide what assets to place in the trust
Draft the trust document
Sign the trust agreement
Fund the trust
Retitle assets into the trust name
Obtain an employer identification number if needed
Open a trust bank account if needed
Review beneficiary designations
Store trust records securely
Update the trust as circumstances change
Consult an estate planning attorney