From blank page to
signed deed in minutes
TrustDoc AI guides you through a structured 5-step wizard, validates entries against UK law, and generates a solicitor-quality Declaration of Trust — entirely free.
Start Your Document →What happens at each step
Every field serves a legal purpose. Click any step to see exactly what we collect and why.
Property Details
Identify the property beyond all doubt
A Declaration of Trust must identify the property precisely. We require the full postal address as registered with HM Land Registry and the unique title number — both needed for any future Form A restriction application.
Trustees
Legal owners — the names on the title deed
In a typical joint property trust, the legal owners (the names on the title deed) are also the trustees. TrustDoc AI supports up to four trustees — the maximum permitted under the Trustee Act 1925.
Beneficial Interests
Who owns the economic value and in what shares
This is the most legally critical step. The beneficial interest clause defines who actually owns the economic value of the property — overriding any presumption of equal ownership that would otherwise apply under Stack v Dowden [2007] UKHL 17.
Signing Details
Ensure correct execution as a deed
A Declaration of Trust is a deed and must be executed correctly to be legally binding. Under LP(MP)A 1989, a deed must be signed, witnessed, and delivered. This step pre-fills the execution blocks in your document.
AI Generation
GPT-4o drafts and compliance-checks your deed
Once all data is confirmed, TrustDoc AI sends your inputs to GPT-4o with a structured legal prompt. The AI assembles all 14 standard clauses, cross-checks internal consistency, and a second AI pass runs a compliance review before you download.
TrustDoc AI vs your alternatives
See how we compare to the DIY approach and instructing a solicitor.
| Feature | DIY Template | High Street Solicitor | TrustDoc AI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | £0–£30 | £500–£1,500 | Free |
| Time to document | 2–5 hours | 3–14 days | Under 10 minutes |
| UK law compliance check | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| All 14 standard clauses | Partial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Covers up to 4 trustees | Varies | ✓ | ✓ |
| Available 24/7 | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| No account required | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| PDF with deed formatting | Basic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Legal advice included | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Suitable for complex disputes | No | Yes | No |
Built on correct statutory foundations
Every clause in your document is grounded in current UK legislation. Here are the seven key statutes our template addresses.
Law of Property Act 1925, s.53(1)(b)
Requires that a declaration of trust in land must be manifested and proved by some writing signed by the person able to declare it. This is the foundational requirement our document satisfies.
Trusts of Land & Appointment of Trustees Act 1996
Governs co-ownership of land held on trust. Provides the framework for trustees' powers and the rights of beneficiaries to occupy and sell. Our beneficial interest and occupation clauses are drafted to TOLATA standards.
Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989, s.1
Sets out the formal requirements for valid execution of a deed: in writing, signed in the presence of a witness who attests the signature, and delivered. Our execution clause and signing blocks comply fully.
Land Registration Act 2002
Governs registration of interests in land. A Declaration of Trust should be supported by a Form A restriction on the title register to protect beneficial interests. Our document includes guidance on this.
Trustee Act 1925
Defines the powers and obligations of trustees. Section 34 limits the number of trustees for land to four. Our wizard enforces this limit. Section 20 prohibits infant trustees.
Stamp Duty Land Tax Act 2003
A Declaration of Trust itself is not a chargeable transaction, but the underlying acquisition may be. Our document includes a recital noting the acquisition date and price — relevant for SDLT records and future CGT.
Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 & Civil Partnership Act 2004
Courts have broad powers to vary property rights on divorce or dissolution, regardless of a Declaration of Trust. Our document clearly notes this limitation in the disclaimer clause.