Creating a trust is an important step in your estate plan. The next step is just as important and sometimes less understood. That step is funding your trust. Funding your trust simply means transferring the assets you currently own as an individual into the name of your trust. Until that happens, those assets may not receive the full benefits of your trust plan.

What Does “Funding” Actually Mean?

Funding is the process of changing ownership or title. Instead of an asset being owned in your individual name, it is retitled into the name of your trust.

For example, your home might change from:
Jane Doe, individual
to
Jane Doe, Trustee of the Jane Doe Revocable Trust

This allows your trust to manage and distribute those assets according to your wishes.

How Our Office Helps

You are not expected to do this alone. Our office assists with many parts of the funding process.

For certain assets, we handle the preparation and transfer for you. This often includes real estate, where we prepare and record the necessary deeds so your property is properly titled in your trust.

For other assets that must be handled directly with the financial institution, we provide clear instructions and the documents you will need.

What You May Need to Do

Some accounts require your direct involvement. For example:

Bank or credit union accounts typically need to be updated in person
You may be asked to sign a new signature card as trustee
We provide a letter and documentation for you to bring with you to make the process smoother

This step may take a little time, but it is a key part of making sure your plan works as intended.

Why Funding Matters

A trust only controls what it owns. Proper funding helps:

Avoid unnecessary probate
Keep your plan organized
Make things easier for your loved ones later
Ensure your wishes are carried out the way you intended

A Simple Way to Stay on Track

Many clients choose to review their funding every year or two, or whenever a new account or asset is added. Keeping your trust up to date helps maintain the peace of mind you created when you signed your plan.

We’re Here to Help

If you are unsure whether your trust is fully funded or have questions about how to transfer a specific asset, our office is always happy to help guide you through the next step. Funding your trust is not about paperwork alone. It is about making sure the plan you created truly works for you and for the people you care about.