how does a trust work

Trusts are an agreement with yourself. You are the trustor (maker of the trust) and the trustee (the one with power to administer the trust).  You name beneficiaries who get property in the trust when you die.  While you are alive, you need to transfer your property - bank accounts, securities, real estate, and other assets - into the trust.  Not much about your life changes when you sign and fund a living trust but when you die your wishes can be carried out by the trustee named in the living trust.  See a local attorney for more information.