N.D. Cent. Code § 59-12-18 : — TRUSTS12 - CREATION, VALIDITY, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION OF TRUST —12-18 - Requisites of trust relating to real property TEXT PDF A trust in relation to real property is not valid unless the trust is created or declared: 1. By a written instrument, subscribed by the trustee or by the trustee's agent thereto authorized in writing; 2. By the instrument under which the trustee claims the estate affected; or 3. By operation of law. N.D.C.C. § 59-12-18