A Heggstad petition can be a pivotal tool when transferring assets into a trust after a decedent’s death when title issues arise. In Laton and throughout Fresno County, families commonly encounter situations where property intended for a trust remains titled in a deceased person’s name, creating obstacles to efficient administration and distribution. This page explains how a Heggstad petition works, who may need one, and how the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman assists clients with thoughtful planning documents such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, and related trust instruments to reduce delay and clarify title issues for beneficiaries.
If you or a family member face problems transferring assets to a trust because a deed or account paperwork was not completed before death, a Heggstad petition may provide a court-based solution. This legal step can establish that the decedent intended to transfer property to the trust and that the trustee is entitled to title or distribution. Our office helps individuals evaluate whether a petition is an appropriate option versus alternative remedies like trust amendments, trust modification petitions, or other estate administration measures. We focus on clear communication, practical solutions, and protecting your family’s interests in the estate process.
A Heggstad petition can prevent unnecessary probate, correct title discrepancies, and allow trust assets to pass according to the settlor’s intended plan. When property was meant to be in a trust but remains titled in a deceased person’s name, beneficiaries and trustees may face delays, increased costs, and uncertainty. Filing a petition can help the court recognize the trust arrangement and confirm the trustee’s authority to manage or transfer the asset. This process helps preserve the settlor’s wishes, maintain privacy, and streamline distribution to beneficiaries while avoiding long probate proceedings when circumstances allow for a judicial determination supporting trust administration.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides estate planning and trust administration services to clients in Laton and across Fresno County. Our attorneys draw on years of practice handling trusts, wills, and related litigation to guide families through probate avoidance, trust funding issues, and petitions to confirm trust ownership. We prepare essential documents such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, financial powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and certifications of trust. Our goal is to offer practical, court-savvy representation and clear guidance so clients understand options, timelines, and potential outcomes for resolving title and trust administration challenges.
A Heggstad petition is a judicial proceeding used to establish that property belonged to a trust despite remaining in the decedent’s name at death. The petition typically asks the court to declare that the decedent intended the asset to be trust property and to order that title be transferred to the trustee or that the trustee be entitled to possession or distribution. The process requires factual evidence about the decedent’s intent, trust documents such as a certification of trust or pour-over will, and supporting declarations about the circumstances that prevented timely transfer before death. The court carefully weighs documentation and testimony to reach a decision.
Not every funding mishap requires a Heggstad petition; sometimes corrective deeds, affidavits, or administrative steps can resolve the issue. However, when property remains titled in the decedent’s name and other options are unavailable, the petition offers a formal remedy to remove clouds on title and permit trust administration to proceed. Preparing a petition involves gathering trust instruments, related estate planning documents such as powers of attorney and health care directives, evidence of the decedent’s intent, and a clear statement of the requested relief. Timely action and careful document preparation increase the likelihood of a favorable court ruling.
A Heggstad petition asks a probate or superior court to declare that certain property was intended to be part of a trust even though formal title transfers were not completed prior to death. Originating from California case law, the petition allows trustees or interested parties to present evidence showing the decedent’s actions and intent to place property in trust. The court may then order that the trustee is entitled to possess, manage, or distribute the property consistent with the trust’s terms. This remedy helps align legal title with estate planning objectives and can protect beneficiaries from protracted probate processes when appropriate under the law.
Preparing a successful petition generally requires assembling trust documents, a certification of trust, related estate planning instruments, and evidence of the decedent’s intent to transfer property into the trust. The process includes drafting a petition describing the property, submitting supporting declarations, serving required parties, and appearing at a court hearing if requested. The court evaluates the credibility of evidence and whether the transfer aligns with the settlor’s plan. Trustees must also address any liens, mortgages, or title issues that could affect the outcome. A carefully organized petition and thorough documentation help present the strongest possible case to the court.
Understanding common terms helps demystify the petition process. Essential vocabulary includes trust, trustee, settlor, certification of trust, pour-over will, deed, beneficiary, and intestacy. Knowledge of these concepts clarifies who has authority to act, what documents support a claim to trust property, and how a court will review actions taken before and after death. Familiarity with these terms aids in assembling relevant evidence and communicating effectively with counsel, trustees, and family members when addressing title issues and trust administration questions during estate settlement.
A Heggstad petition is a court application used when property that should have been transferred to a trust remains titled in the decedent’s name. The petition seeks a judicial finding that the trust is entitled to the asset based on the decedent’s intent and available evidence. It is commonly used in California trust administration to resolve funding mistakes and avoid extended probate where possible. Evidence may include trust documents, declarations from witnesses, and records showing that the decedent took steps toward funding the trust but did not complete the title transfer prior to death.
A pour-over will operates alongside a living trust to direct any assets remaining in the decedent’s name at death into the trust for distribution according to the trust terms. It does not avoid probate for all assets, but it ensures that assets not previously transferred can be moved into the trust through the probate process. When combined with a Heggstad petition, a pour-over will helps demonstrate the settlor’s intent to concentrate assets under the trust’s administration, supporting the trustee’s claim to those assets and aligning estate settlement with the overall plan.
A revocable living trust is a common estate planning instrument that holds assets during the settlor’s lifetime and directs their distribution at death. The settlor typically names a successor trustee to manage the trust after incapacity or death. While revocable trusts help avoid probate when assets are properly funded, they require careful title transfers into the trust. When funding steps are incomplete at death, documents such as certifications of trust and Heggstad petitions may be used to align asset ownership with the trust’s terms and facilitate administration by the trustee.
A certification of trust is a short document summarizing key trust information without revealing the trust’s full terms. It typically confirms the trust’s existence, the trustee’s identity, and the trustee’s authority to manage trust property. Financial institutions and title companies often accept a certification of trust to allow account changes or deed transfers. In Heggstad petition matters, a certification of trust can serve as supporting evidence that the trustee has authority and that the trust was intended to hold the disputed property, helping to streamline court review and administrative steps.
When addressing assets titled outside a trust, individuals can pursue administrative remedies, corrective deeds, or formal court petitions such as a Heggstad petition. Limited administrative actions can be quicker and less costly when all parties agree and documentation is straightforward. Conversely, a formal petition may be necessary when title issues are contested, documents are incomplete, or third-party interests complicate the transfer. Choosing the right path depends on the facts, the strength of available evidence, the parties involved, and the potential cost and time of litigation versus a negotiated resolution.
A limited approach may succeed when the decedent left clear documentation showing intent to fund the trust and all beneficiaries and interested parties agree on the appropriate outcome. In such cases, banks, title companies, or county recorders may accept a certification of trust, corrected deeds, or affidavits that clarify ownership without court involvement. When parties cooperate and liens or mortgages are not disputed, resolving title issues administratively can save time and expense while preserving the trust’s intended distribution plan and allowing trustees to proceed with asset management.
If the problem stems from a clerical mistake, a missing signature, or incomplete account paperwork that can be corrected with minimal effort, administrative remedies can be the fastest route. Institutions often have procedures for accepting corrective documents or reissuing accounts into the trust when provided with a certification of trust and proof of identity. Where no party contests the correction and the title issue is straightforward, avoiding court reduces costs and helps trustees administer assets and distribute to beneficiaries more efficiently.
A comprehensive legal approach is often necessary when beneficiaries, creditors, or other parties dispute whether property belongs to a trust. Conflicting evidence about the decedent’s intent, contested deeds, or competing claims require careful legal preparation and often court intervention to resolve. In these circumstances, filing a petition provides a formal forum to evaluate testimony, documentary evidence, and legal arguments, ensuring that the trustee’s rights and beneficiaries’ interests are considered under judicial supervision and that any transfer of title or distribution is made with authoritative direction.
When assets have mortgages, liens, or complicated title histories, or when multiple jurisdictions or financial institutions are involved, a full legal strategy is often the safest path. Complex situations may require examination of property records, coordination with lenders, and legal arguments to clear title or determine the trustee’s authority. A comprehensive approach includes preparing strong legal filings, coordinating discovery if necessary, and advocating for the trustee at hearings so that property can be properly administered and beneficiaries can receive assets according to the trust terms.
Pursuing a comprehensive approach provides confidence that all legal issues are addressed and minimizes the risk of future disputes over title or distribution. By documenting the decedent’s intent, obtaining clear court findings, and resolving liens or competing claims, trustees reduce the potential for later challenges that could disrupt estate administration. A full legal path also helps ensure that financial institutions and county recorders accept the transfer, and it can create a permanent record confirming the trustee’s rights, which benefits beneficiaries who rely on the trust for timely receipt of assets.
A thorough legal resolution also helps trustees meet fiduciary responsibilities by taking measurable steps to protect estate assets and demonstrate good faith. When a court issues a ruling supporting the trustee’s claim, it provides clarity for dealing with third parties and can limit liability for trustees acting under court authorization. Although litigation or formal petitions may involve more time and cost upfront, the resulting certainty supports orderly administration and can prevent more costly disputes or reversals in the future, preserving estate value for intended beneficiaries.
A major advantage of a comprehensive legal route is the finality a court order can provide. Once a court determines that property was intended to be trust property and grants relief, banks and title companies typically accept that ruling for transfers and account changes. This reduces the risk of later challenges and gives trustees clear authority to act. For beneficiaries, a judicial determination reduces uncertainty about timing and distribution, enabling them to plan with the assurance that the trust’s terms will be followed and that the asset dispute has been resolved on the record.
Legal resolution through a petition protects trustees and beneficiaries from subsequent claims that might arise if title remains unclear. A court’s findings can bar later attempts to relitigate the question of ownership, which safeguards estate assets and reduces long-term legal exposure. This protection is particularly valuable when distributions are imminent or when sizable assets are at stake. By addressing underlying disputes comprehensively and documenting the court’s reasoning, trustees create a strong foundation for administering the estate consistent with the settlor’s intentions.
Begin by collecting the trust document, certification of trust, deeds, account statements, and any communications that show the decedent’s intent to fund the trust. Promptly locating and organizing these records shortens the time needed to prepare a petition or pursue administrative remedies. Documentation that demonstrates consistent intent, such as trust drafts, signed deeds, or contemporaneous notes, strengthens a trustee’s position. Keeping thorough records also helps explain delays or mistakes in funding and allows counsel to advise on the best pathway for resolving title issues efficiently.
Assess whether you need a narrow order clarifying title for a single asset or a broader ruling that covers multiple items. Clarifying the scope early helps shape the petition and the evidence you must gather. If additional disputes or encumbrances exist, broaden the approach to address potential complications and avoid piecemeal filings. Thoughtful planning about the relief requested can reduce the likelihood of follow-up motions and lead to a more efficient resolution, allowing trustees to proceed with asset management and distributions in a coordinated manner.
Families consider a Heggstad petition when assets intended for a trust remain titled in the decedent’s name, when there is conflicting documentation about ownership, or when administrative routes are blocked by institutions or third-party claims. The petition is often chosen to avoid prolonged probate and to bring legal clarity to trustees and beneficiaries, enabling the trust administration to proceed according to the settlor’s intent. Timely evaluation of the facts can determine whether a petition, corrective deed, or other remedy best protects the estate and facilitates distribution.
Other reasons to pursue this service include clarifying the trustee’s authority over specific assets, resolving title clouds that hamper sale or refinancing, and handling situations where heirs disagree about the estate plan. When assets are subject to liens or unclear chains of title, a petition allows the court to resolve ownership questions under judicial supervision. This route can prevent later litigation and provide a definitive outcome that supports orderly administration and reduces uncertainty for all parties involved in the estate settlement process.
Typical circumstances include deeds left unsigned at death, bank accounts that were never retitled to a trust, property transferred with a defective deed, missing signatures on trust funding documents, or conflicting records about where assets should be distributed. Families also turn to petitions when third parties refuse to recognize a trustee’s authority or when there are competing beneficiary claims. Each scenario requires a tailored review of documents and facts to determine whether a petition or alternative remedy best addresses the problem.
When a deed intended to place property into a trust was drafted but not executed or recorded before the decedent’s death, title may remain in the decedent’s name and create a barrier to trust administration. A Heggstad petition can present evidence of intent to transfer and ask the court to declare that the property should be administered as trust property. This helps trustees gain authority to sell, refinance, or distribute the asset consistent with the trust’s terms without resorting to full probate administration.
Bank or brokerage accounts intended for a trust may remain titled in the decedent’s name due to oversight, paperwork delays, or institutional requirements. When institutions require additional proof or refuse to accept a certification of trust, a court petition can establish the trustee’s entitlement. By presenting trust records and evidence of the decedent’s intent, a petition can provide the legal authority needed to access and manage those accounts, ensuring assets are handled according to the trust’s distribution plan and avoiding creditor or beneficiary dispute complications.
Conflicting or ambiguous statements by the decedent, missing documentation, or inconsistent records can create uncertainty about whether property belongs to a trust. In these cases, interested parties often seek a judicial determination to resolve conflicting claims and protect the trustee and beneficiaries. A Heggstad petition lets the court evaluate the totality of the evidence, including written documents and witness declarations, to reach a clear finding. This judicial clarification reduces future litigation risk and supports orderly estate administration.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman represents Laton clients in matters involving Heggstad petitions, trust funding, and related estate planning concerns. We help prepare revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, certifications of trust, financial powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and other documents used to carry out a settlor’s intentions. If title issues arise after death or if a trustee needs legal authority to manage or distribute assets, our office offers focused assistance, clear guidance on options, and practical steps to move the estate toward resolution while protecting beneficiaries’ interests.
Our firm combines knowledge of California trust and probate law with a hands-on approach to assembling documentation, preparing petitions, and representing trustees in court when necessary. We emphasize clear communication with clients, careful attention to title records, and coordination with financial institutions to pursue the most efficient remedy. Whether the case calls for administrative solutions or formal petitioning, we work to explain the process, likely timelines, and potential outcomes so families can make informed decisions while protecting estate assets and honoring the settlor’s wishes.
Clients benefit from thorough preparation of petitions and supporting evidence, including certifications of trust, declarations from witnesses, and clear descriptions of the property and relief sought. We assist trustees in addressing liens, mortgages, and creditor concerns that could affect the transfer of title. By presenting a well-supported petition or negotiating with third parties, we aim to minimize delays and reduce the risk of contest. Our approach focuses on practical, legally sound steps that lead to enforceable resolutions and help trustees fulfill their duties.
We also emphasize client education and collaborative planning to help prevent future funding problems. During initial estate planning, we explain the importance of retitling assets, maintaining clear records, and using documents such as pour-over wills and certifications of trust. For families facing post-death title issues, we provide candid assessments of possible remedies and the likely implications of each path. Our goal is to support clients through both immediate petition matters and longer-term planning so that assets are protected for beneficiaries.
Our legal process begins with a thorough document review and fact-finding step to determine whether a Heggstad petition or another remedy best fits the situation. We gather trust documents, deeds, account records, and witness statements, then advise on the likely timeline, cost, and probable outcomes. When filing a petition is appropriate, we prepare a clear petition, supporting declarations, and exhibit the necessary proof of intent to the court. We manage service to interested parties, coordinate with institutions, and represent the trustee at hearings to pursue a definitive resolution that permits trust administration to proceed.
Initially, we review the trust, any related wills, certifications of trust, deeds, and financial account documentation to evaluate the nature of the title problem. We interview trustees, beneficiaries, and witnesses to gather statements about the decedent’s intent and any steps taken to fund the trust. This phase identifies whether administrative correction is feasible or whether a court petition is necessary. A careful assessment at the outset saves time and clarifies what evidence will be required to support the trustee’s claim to the property.
We assist clients in locating and organizing trust documents, deeds, account statements, insurance policies, and any correspondence showing the decedent’s intent to place property in trust. These records often form the core of the evidence needed to pursue a petition or administrative transfer. By cataloging each item and explaining its role in the case, we ensure the petition is grounded in credible documentation and prepared to address likely questions from the court, title companies, or financial institutions.
We work with family members or others who can provide declarations about the decedent’s statements and actions. Witness declarations often describe efforts made to fund the trust, conversations regarding property transfers, and the settlor’s expressed intentions. These firsthand accounts, when combined with documentary proof, strengthen the petition’s factual foundation. We draft clear, court-appropriate declarations that present the timeline of events and explain why a judicial determination is necessary to resolve title questions.
Once evidence is collected, we draft a petition tailored to the asset and the relief requested, include supporting exhibits such as a certification of trust and deeds, and file the petition with the appropriate court. The filing includes notice to interested parties and coordination with the clerk’s office to set any necessary hearing dates. We anticipate potential objections, address title encumbrances, and structure the petition to present a clear, convincing narrative for the court to accept the trustee’s claim to the property.
Our filings include carefully drafted exhibits that connect the dots between the trust document, the decedent’s actions, and the asset at issue. We prepare legal arguments that explain relevant provisions of California law and show why a judicial declaration is appropriate. The goal is to make the court’s review straightforward by presenting organized evidence, credible witness statements, and a concise statement of relief, thereby increasing the likelihood the court will grant the requested order without unnecessary delay.
After filing, we ensure proper service on all required parties and monitor response timelines. If objections arise, we evaluate their merits and respond with supplementary declarations, legal briefing, or negotiations when appropriate. Our approach balances robust advocacy with opportunities for settlement or administrative resolution when possible. By managing service, responses, and communications with opposing parties, we keep the process moving toward a definitive court ruling that allows trustees to proceed with administering trust assets.
If a hearing is scheduled, we present the petition, supporting evidence, and witness declarations to the court and address any questions from the judge. After a ruling, we assist with implementing the court’s order, including preparing deeds, coordinating with title companies, and updating account ownership. We also help trustees follow any procedural requirements specified by the court and handle any follow-up motions needed to finalize transfers. Our goal is to convert the court’s decision into effective, administrable outcomes for the trust and beneficiaries.
At the hearing, we clearly present the evidence showing why the property should be treated as trust property and explain the legal basis for the requested relief. We address questions and concerns raised by the court or other parties and advocate for a ruling that enables the trustee to manage or convey the asset as the trust directs. Effective presentation and readiness to respond to judicial inquiries help secure a timely decision that benefits trustees and beneficiaries seeking closure on title issues.
Following a favorable order, we coordinate the practical steps necessary to clear title and transfer ownership to the trustee, which may include drafting and recording new deeds, working with financial institutions to retitle accounts, and resolving any remaining liens. We also document the chain of authority so third parties will accept the trustee’s control. These follow-up actions are essential to translate a legal victory into real-world administration so assets are available for distribution per the trust terms.
A Heggstad petition is a court proceeding used to establish that specific property was intended to be part of a trust despite remaining titled in a decedent’s name at death. The petition asks the court to recognize the trustee’s right to possession or distribution of the asset based on the decedent’s intent and supporting evidence, such as trust documents, certifications of trust, and witness declarations. It is commonly used when administrative fixes are not feasible and when title issues would otherwise delay or complicate trust administration. Filing a petition is typically appropriate when deeds, account retitling, or other corrective measures are unavailable or insufficient. The court evaluates the totality of the evidence to determine whether the property should be treated as trust property. The petition helps align legal title with the trust’s distribution plan so that trustees can administer assets consistent with the settlor’s wishes, often avoiding protracted disputes when documentation supports the claim.
The timeline for a Heggstad petition varies depending on case complexity, court schedules, and whether objections are filed. In straightforward cases with complete documentation and no opposition, the petition may proceed fairly quickly through filing, notice, and a hearing. More complex matters that involve contested claims, title encumbrances, or multiple interested parties can take longer and may require additional briefing or discovery to resolve factual disputes. Court backlog and the need to serve interested parties also affect timing. Preparing a thorough petition and submitting well-organized evidence at the outset shortens the process. Communication with the court clerk and timely responses to any procedural requests help keep the case moving, and coordinated follow-up actions after a ruling are necessary to implement the court’s order and finalize transfers.
Evidence supporting a Heggstad petition typically includes the trust document itself, a certification of trust summarizing the trustee’s authority, deeds or account statements showing the asset at issue, and witness declarations recounting the decedent’s stated intent to fund the trust. Additional helpful materials include draft deeds, correspondence with financial institutions, and records of attempts to retitle assets prior to death. The combination of documentary and testimonial evidence builds the factual narrative the court needs to evaluate ownership. Courts focus on the decedent’s intent and actions taken to transfer the property. Clear, contemporaneous documentation showing consistent intent and steps toward funding the trust strengthens the petition. Where gaps exist, credible witness declarations and supporting records can bridge the evidentiary gaps and help the court reach a reasoned conclusion in favor of the trustee’s claim.
A Heggstad petition can reduce the need for probate for specific assets by establishing that those assets belonged to the trust at the time of death, allowing the trustee to administer them under trust terms. However, it is not a universal substitute for probate in all cases; some assets may still require probate depending on title, creditor claims, and other legal considerations. The petition focuses on bringing particular property into the trust’s control and can be an efficient tool to avoid probate for those items when the court accepts the trustee’s evidence. Whether probate is entirely avoided depends on the estate’s composition and other legal obligations. For assets properly brought into the trust through a petition, trustees can proceed with distribution without separate probate administration for those items. Nonetheless, it is important to evaluate each asset’s status and address any creditor or statutory notice requirements that could still implicate probate processes.
Typically, the trustee or another interested party such as a beneficiary may file a Heggstad petition to establish that property belongs to the trust. The petitioner must present sufficient evidence of the decedent’s intent and the circumstances preventing the transfer prior to death. The court requires notice to interested parties so they have an opportunity to respond or object, ensuring that the proceeding addresses the rights of potential claimants and beneficiaries. Filing parties should have a direct interest in the asset’s proper administration, such as a trustee seeking to manage or distribute property under the trust’s terms. When multiple parties assert competing interests, the court will evaluate each claim based on the presented evidence and determine the appropriate disposition consistent with California law and the trust’s provisions.
Alternatives to filing a Heggstad petition include corrective deeds, affidavits, and administrative retitling accepted by financial institutions or title companies. When all interested parties agree and the paperwork is straightforward, these administrative actions can be faster and less expensive. A certification of trust often helps institutions accept a trustee’s authority without court involvement, and settlement agreements among heirs can resolve disputes without litigation. However, when institutions refuse to accept documentary proofs, defects in title are significant, or parties contest ownership, administrative remedies may not suffice. In those situations, a court petition provides a formal resolution and authoritative guidance, which may be preferable to avoid downstream disputes and ensure a reliable pathway to transferring and administering assets.
A court will not automatically grant a Heggstad petition simply because documents are missing; it examines the totality of the evidence to determine whether the decedent intended the property to belong to the trust. Courts weigh declarations, documentary proof, and the consistency of actions taken by the decedent to show intent. Missing documents can be supplemented by credible witness testimony and other supporting records, but the strength of the petition depends on how convincingly the evidence shows the settlor’s intent and relevant acts toward funding the trust. If evidence is sparse or contradictory, the court may deny the petition or require additional proceedings. Preparing a well-supported petition with organized exhibits and persuasive declarations increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome. When documentation is limited, counsel can advise whether additional evidence can be obtained or whether alternative remedies are more appropriate.
Costs for filing a Heggstad petition vary with the complexity of the case, the need for court hearings, and whether contested litigation or additional discovery is required. Court filing fees, costs for preparing and serving documents, and attorney fees associated with drafting the petition and representing the trustee at hearings contribute to the total expense. Straightforward, uncontested petitions typically cost less than contested matters that require extended briefing and court appearances. When evaluating cost, consider the potential savings from avoiding broader probate procedures and resolving title issues that would otherwise delay asset distribution. A careful assessment of likely outcomes and estimated expenses helps clients decide whether to pursue a petition or seek administrative alternatives that may be more cost-effective in simple cases.
A trustee’s ability to act on property before a petition is resolved depends on the asset’s status and any applicable court orders. In many cases, trustees should proceed cautiously and obtain court authorization if title remains unclear or if there is a risk of creditor claims or disputes among beneficiaries. Acting without clear authority can expose trustees to liability if they distribute or transfer assets later deemed not to belong to the trust. When urgent actions are needed, such as preserving perishable assets or addressing imminent liens, trustees may seek temporary court orders or stipulations allowing limited actions. Counsel can advise on what may be done safely pending resolution and help obtain interim relief when necessary to protect estate value while the petition proceeds.
To prevent the need for a Heggstad petition, ensure assets are properly titled into the trust during the settlor’s lifetime, maintain clear records of funding efforts, and obtain certifications of trust when appropriate for financial institutions. Regularly review deeds, account registrations, beneficiary designations, and retirement plan arrangements to confirm they align with the estate plan. Timely retitling and consistent documentation significantly reduce the risk of post-death title disputes and the need for court intervention. Additionally, discussing practical steps for funding the trust with counsel and trusted advisors helps avoid common pitfalls. Simple actions like recording deeds, updating account ownership, using payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations when appropriate, and keeping a folder of trust-related documents can prevent the majority of funding oversights that lead to Heggstad petitions.
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