Revocable trusts are a very popular and useful estate planning tool. But the trust will be ineffective if you do not actually place your assets in the trust.
Revocable trusts are an effective way to avoid probate and provide for asset management in the event of incapacity. In addition, revocable trusts — sometimes called “living” trusts — are incredibly flexible and can achieve many other goals, including tax, long-term care, and asset-protection planning.
You can’t take advantage of what the trust has to offer, however, if you don’t place your assets into it. If you don’t fund the trust, your assets may have to go through a costly probate proceeding or be distributed to beneficiaries you did not intend. Not funding your trust can undermine your whole estate plan.
To transfer assets to the trust, whether real estate, bank accounts, or investment accounts, you need to retitle the assets in the name of the trust. Depending on the institution, you might be able to change the name on an existing account. Otherwise, you will need to open a new account in the name of the trust and then transfer the funds.
The financial institution will probably require a certification of the trust, a copy of the trust, or possibly the signature pages and the sections that include the trustee’s powers. If you are placing real estate into the trust, you should consult with your attorney to ensure it is done correctly. You should also consult with your attorney before placing life insurance or annuities into a revocable trust. And consult with your attorney before naming the trust as the beneficiary of your IRAs or 401(k) because that could have significant tax and other administrative consequences.
Once your trust is fully funded, don’t forget about it. When you acquire new assets, do not forget to add them to the trust. You should review your trust annually to make sure everything is titled properly.
Call my office, if you have questions about properly funding your revocable living trust or have questions about particular assets
