A general assignment of assets to a trust is a common step in estate planning that moves listed property into the trust to ensure smoother transfer at death or incapacitation. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, we assist residents of Soda Bay and Lake County in preparing and documenting these assignments to reflect the terms of a revocable living trust or related estate plan. This process helps align titles and accounts with the trust while preserving the client’s wishes. If you are considering funding a trust or clarifying which assets belong to a trust, our team can walk you through options, required documents, and local recordation practices to make the transition clear and manageable.
General assignments are used with many estate planning tools including revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, and trust certifications to consolidate control of assets and reduce potential delays after death. Assignments may cover personal property, financial accounts, or business interests that have not been re-titled directly into the trust. Our approach emphasizes careful documentation like deeds, assignment forms, and beneficiary updates to ensure assets are properly aligned with the trust. For residents of Soda Bay, transferring assets to a trust can simplify administration for loved ones and help maintain continuity for dependents and pets while reflecting the client’s broader estate planning goals.
Placing assets into a trust through a general assignment provides practical benefits such as avoiding probate for those assets, reducing the burden on family, and speeding access to property or funds after a death. Proper assignment can protect privacy by keeping transfers out of public probate proceedings and ensuring that the trust’s terms control distribution. This step also clarifies asset ownership for successor trustees and financial institutions, reducing disputes and delays. For many families in Soda Bay, aligning titles, accounts, and documentation with a trust offers a stable pathway for property management and a reliable method to carry out the settlor’s intentions.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves clients across San Jose, Soda Bay, and greater Lake County with practical estate planning services focused on clarity and durable documents. Our attorneys work directly with clients to prepare revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, general assignments, and related instruments such as powers of attorney and health care directives. We emphasize clear communication and careful review of titles, beneficiary designations, and account instructions so that trust funding is thorough and legally effective. You can reach our office at 408-528-2827 to discuss how to move assets into a trust and how that transfer interacts with other estate planning documents.
A general assignment is a formal document that transfers ownership of specified personal property or interests to a trust, documenting the settlor’s intent to fund the trust without necessarily changing title in every case immediately. It is commonly used when the trust is already in effect and the settlor wants to ensure that tangible and intangible property will be treated as trust assets under the trust terms. The assignment complements deeds, beneficiary designations, and account title changes by creating a clear paper trail. For many clients, it serves as an efficient means to confirm trust ownership for items that are not easily retitled at the time of trust creation.
The process of completing a general assignment involves identifying the assets to be assigned, drafting the assignment language consistent with the trust document, and executing any required acknowledgments or notary steps for recording when necessary. Some assets, such as real property, require recorded deeds, while others like bank accounts or retirement accounts may need beneficiary updates or custodian forms. Our role is to coordinate these steps so the assignment reflects the settlor’s intent and conforms to California law. Careful follow-up ensures financial institutions and county recorders recognize the ownership shift and that the trust functions as intended during administration.
A general assignment is a written instrument naming specific items or categories of property and transferring them into a trust so the trustee can manage or distribute them under the trust terms. It can be tailored to include household goods, collections, business interests, or financial instruments that the settlor intends to place under trust control. Unlike a deed used for real estate or a change of title for brokerage accounts, a general assignment creates a centralized record that ties multiple asset types to the trust. This document is particularly helpful when not every asset can be retitled immediately, as it documents intent and supports later administrative steps taken by the successor trustee.
Key elements of a successful assignment include a clear description of assets, reference to the controlling trust document, proper signatures and acknowledgments, and any required recording or notices to third parties. The funding process may begin with an asset inventory, followed by title transfers, deed preparation, custodian forms for retirement accounts, and beneficiary updates where appropriate. Certification of trust forms can be used to provide institutions with evidence of the trust’s existence without disclosing sensitive provisions. Coordinating these elements reduces the risk of overlooked assets and strengthens the trustee’s ability to carry out the settlor’s directions promptly and consistently.
This glossary covers terms frequently encountered when assigning assets to a trust so clients can understand documents and conversations with financial institutions and county recorders. Familiarity with terms like revocable living trust, pour-over will, certification of trust, and general assignment helps you make informed choices about funding and administration. Definitions clarify whether particular assets require deeds, beneficiary updates, or other action. Knowing these distinctions can prevent delays and ensure a smoother transition when the trust becomes active or when the trustee needs to manage or distribute trust property.
A revocable living trust is an estate planning instrument created during a person’s lifetime that holds title to assets for management and distribution under written terms. The settlor retains the ability to alter or revoke the trust while alive, and the trust typically names successor trustees to manage assets on incapacity or after death. Funding the trust through general assignments, deeds, and account retitling places assets under the trust’s instructions and can reduce the need for probate. The trust can also provide continuity in asset management if the settlor becomes incapacitated and can include provisions for family members, dependents, and pets.
A pour-over will works in tandem with a trust to transfer any assets not formally funded into the trust during a person’s lifetime into the trust at death. It acts as a safety net so that property inadvertently omitted from trust funding can still be distributed according to the trust’s terms. While a pour-over will typically must go through probate before assets are transferred to the trust, it ensures the settlor’s intent is carried out even if some items were not assigned prior to death. This document is a common companion to general assignments and trust packages to protect against unintentional gaps in funding.
A last will and testament is a legal document that expresses how a person wants their remaining assets distributed at death and appoints guardians for minor children or other fiduciaries. Unlike a trust, a will typically requires probate to transfer title to property unless assets are otherwise titled or designated to pass outside probate. In many estate plans, a will complements a trust by addressing assets that are not in the trust and by providing backup instructions for distribution. The will can also name an executor to oversee probate and ensure that the settlor’s final wishes are followed when court involvement is necessary.
A general assignment of assets to a trust is a written transfer that lists personal property, accounts, or specific items and declares them part of the trust estate. This form helps create a clear record of the settlor’s intention for assets that may be difficult to retitle immediately or that require separate documentation. The assignment works with deeds, beneficiary forms, and certifying documents to present a comprehensive funding plan. It is an administrative tool that assists trustees and institutions in recognizing which property should be managed and distributed under the trust’s terms.
When deciding how to transfer assets, you can choose targeted methods like changing beneficiary designations or use broader instruments such as a trust funded by a general assignment. Targeted approaches may be faster for individual accounts but can leave gaps if some items are overlooked. A trust-funded approach provides a unified plan for many asset types but may require additional documents and title changes. The right choice depends on the asset mix, family needs, and whether avoiding probate or preserving privacy is a priority. Discussing the options with legal counsel helps identify the most efficient and reliable funding strategy for your situation.
A limited approach can work well when an individual has few assets or when most holdings already pass outside probate through beneficiary designations or joint ownership. For example, bank accounts, life insurance, and retirement accounts with clear beneficiaries might not require trust funding to achieve the owner’s goals. In such cases, focusing on updating designations and ensuring accurate title may be the most straightforward path. However, even with limited assets, documenting intentions clearly and confirming how each item passes at death will avoid surprises for loved ones and simplify administration when the time comes.
When assets are already set up to transfer by beneficiary designation or joint tenancy, the effort required to retitle those assets into a trust may outweigh the benefits for some individuals. Updating beneficiary forms or confirming joint ownership arrangements can preserve intended outcomes without creating new documents. That said, relying solely on these measures can leave certain personal property or real estate unaddressed. A careful review identifies whether any gaps exist and whether a general assignment or deed transfer is needed to ensure a comprehensive plan that aligns with the settlor’s wishes.
A comprehensive approach to funding a trust is generally advisable when the estate includes varied assets such as multiple real estate parcels, business interests, retirement accounts, and collectibles. Real property typically requires deed transfers and county recording, and business interests may involve assignment agreements or corporate updates. Handling these different asset types together reduces the risk of inconsistent titles and ensures that the trustee has clear authority to manage and distribute each item. For families with significant or diverse holdings, a coordinated plan minimizes administrative burdens later and helps protect the owner’s intentions across all asset classes.
When retirement accounts, potential estate tax concerns, or the needs of dependents and beneficiaries require careful planning, a thorough funding strategy becomes more important. Retirement accounts may have specific distribution rules that interact with trust provisions, and trusts can be drafted to address long-term care or financial support for dependents. Special arrangements such as irrevocable life insurance trusts or special needs trusts require coordinated drafting and funding steps. A comprehensive service helps ensure that all pieces of the estate plan work together and that distributions occur in a way that aligns with the settlor’s objectives.
A comprehensive approach reduces the likelihood of assets being overlooked or passing in ways that contradict the trust’s terms. By systematically retitling property, updating account records, and preparing assignment documents, the settlor creates a cohesive plan that the trustee can implement without extensive court involvement. This planning can lead to faster asset access for beneficiaries, fewer administrative hurdles, and clearer instructions for managing property in incapacity. The value of a unified strategy lies in the predictability and reduced stress it provides for loved ones who will manage the estate.
Another benefit of thorough funding is the preservation of privacy and continuity for the family. Since properly funded trust assets typically avoid probate, the details of distribution and the identity of beneficiaries are less exposed to public records. Trustees can act under the trust’s terms without court supervision in most cases, and successor trustees can access accounts and property more quickly with the right documentation in place. A comprehensive plan also makes updates easier over time by centralizing decisions and ensuring that changes are applied consistently across all relevant assets.
Avoiding probate is often a key motivation for funding a trust, and a general assignment supports that goal by clarifying which assets are intended for the trust. Probate can be time-consuming and may require legal fees and court involvement that delay distributions to beneficiaries. When assets are properly assigned and titled in the trust’s name or otherwise arranged to pass outside probate, the trustee can begin managing or distributing property with fewer formalities. Families commonly appreciate the speed and privacy that come with reduced probate exposure when trust funding is handled thoroughly.
A comprehensive funding plan helps keep sensitive family matters private by minimizing what must go through public probate records. Trust administration typically proceeds with less court oversight, allowing fiduciaries to follow the settlor’s written instructions without broad public disclosure. Consistent management is another advantage, because an organized set of documents and titles enables trustees to access accounts and property efficiently. This continuity benefits dependents and other beneficiaries who depend on timely distributions or ongoing management of assets.
Begin by creating a detailed inventory of tangible and intangible property you intend to include in the trust, listing account numbers, deeds, and descriptions of personal property. Organizing documents and noting ownership details makes it easier to determine which items require deeds, assignment forms, or beneficiary updates. A thorough inventory reduces the chance of leaving important assets out of the trust and provides a helpful roadmap for trustees in the future. Taking this step early streamlines the funding process and allows for efficient coordination with banks, brokers, and county recorder offices.
Keep original trust documents, signed assignments, deeds, and related records in a secure but accessible location and provide clear instructions to successor trustees on where to find them. Periodically review and update documents when life events occur, such as changes in marital status, births, deaths, or significant financial transactions. Maintaining clear and current records helps trustees and family members act efficiently when the time comes and reduces disputes over property ownership. Regular reviews also ensure that new assets are addressed promptly and that the trust continues to reflect your wishes.
Clients often choose to assign assets to a trust to avoid Probate Court, maintain privacy, and provide continuity of management if they become incapacitated. A properly funded trust gives successor trustees the authority to manage and distribute property without waiting for probate proceedings. This can be especially beneficial for families that want to minimize delays and reduce stress during a challenging time. Additionally, naming trustees and beneficiaries clearly within the trust can prevent disputes about ownership and clarify the settlor’s expectations for asset distribution and care of dependents.
Another reason to use a general assignment is to ensure personal property and less formal assets are documented as part of the trust estate when immediate retitling is impractical. Some tangible items and smaller accounts are easier to include through an assignment than by preparing separate deeds or retitling each account. The assignment becomes a central document that supports the trust’s terms and can be supplemented by deeds, beneficiary forms, or certification of trust to provide institutions with the evidence they need. This approach supports a cohesive estate plan that addresses diverse holdings.
Typical circumstances include ownership of real property that must be deeded into the trust, personal property collections that are difficult to retitle, or accounts that require documentation to reflect trust ownership. Life transitions such as remarriage, acquiring new business interests, or changes to family structure often prompt clients to consolidate holdings under a trust. Assignments also help when retirement accounts or insurance policies need alignment with the overall estate plan. In every case, the goal is to ensure the trust can manage and distribute assets consistent with the settlor’s intentions while minimizing administrative hurdles.
Real property typically requires a recorded deed to show that the title is held in the trust name or by the trustee, and this step is often the core reason clients seek legal assistance. Deed preparation, execution, and county recording must be handled precisely to avoid tax or title issues. Transferring property to a trust can help avoid probate for that asset, but the process should consider any mortgage, community property considerations, or potential tax consequences. Proper documentation ensures that the trustee can manage or transfer the property when the trust becomes operative.
Financial accounts, brokerage holdings, and investment portfolios may need custodian or broker forms to retitle the account to the trust or to name the trust as the beneficiary. Each financial institution has its own processes and requirements, so coordination is necessary to complete transfers correctly. Failure to update accounts can result in assets passing outside the trust and potentially complicating administration. Clients often rely on a coordinated plan to ensure that investments, bank accounts, and retirement funds are treated consistently and that the trustee will have access when needed.
Trusts and related assignments are commonly used to provide for dependents, including minors, adults with disabilities, or pets, by setting aside assets and instructions for ongoing care. Special provisions such as trust funding for a pet trust or a special needs trust can ensure that resources are managed for long-term care without interfering with government benefits or creating administrative confusion. Assigning assets to the trust secures the resources intended for these purposes and gives the trustee the legal authority to carry out the settlor’s caregiving instructions according to the trust’s terms.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides local support for Soda Bay residents needing guidance on assigning assets to a trust, revocable living trusts, and related documents. We help prepare deeds, general assignments, certification of trust forms, and coordinate beneficiary updates and account retitling. Our office serves clients across Lake County and can explain local recording practices, the interplay with pour-over wills, and how powers of attorney and advance health care directives fit into the plan. Call 408-528-2827 to schedule a consultation to discuss funding your trust and preserving your legacy for family and loved ones.
Clients choose our firm for clear guidance, careful drafting, and attention to practical details involved in transferring assets to a trust. We work with clients to identify assets that need retitling or documentation, coordinate with financial institutions and county recorders, and prepare the documents that support effective trust administration. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible so trustees and beneficiaries are positioned to act efficiently when needed. Practical planning helps families avoid common pitfalls and reduces the burden on loved ones at a difficult time.
We assist with a broad range of trust funding tasks including deeds for real estate, assignment forms for personal property, and coordination of beneficiary designations for retirement accounts. Preparing a certification of trust can help institutions confirm the trust without reviewing private trust terms, and our team ensures the right documents are available in the correct form. By addressing both immediate funding needs and longer term administrative concerns, we provide a comprehensive service that aligns with the client’s goals and the realities of local procedures.
From updating a pour-over will to preparing an irrevocable life insurance trust or special needs trust, we help clients create cohesive plans that address family needs and protect intended beneficiaries. We also assist with HIPAA authorizations, guardianship nominations, and powers of attorney to provide a complete approach to incapacity and after death transitions. Our work focuses on practical outcomes so that trustees can act with confidence and family members understand how assets will be managed and distributed.
Our process begins with a thorough review of your existing trust documents and a detailed inventory of assets, then moves through drafting, execution, and any required recordings or institution notifications. We coordinate deed preparation for real estate, help complete assignment forms for personal property, and work with banks and brokers to retitle accounts or update beneficiaries. Throughout the process we provide clear instructions for where documents should be kept and how trustees should proceed. This organized procedure helps reduce the chance of overlooked assets and provides a reliable record for trustees and family members.
The first step involves collecting existing estate planning documents and preparing a full inventory of assets, titles, and beneficiary designations to determine funding priorities. We review deeds, account statements, insurance policies, and business interests to identify items that must be retitled or require assignment. This stage clarifies who holds title, the form of ownership, and whether any assets already pass outside probate. A careful initial review prevents gaps in funding and provides a plan for the documents and actions needed to align assets with the trust.
Collecting relevant documents includes gathering deeds, bank and investment statements, retirement account summaries, insurance policies, and titles to vehicles or other valuable property. Having these documents available allows us to verify ownership and account rules and determine which institutions will require specific forms or a certification of trust. A complete set of documents speeds the funding process and minimizes back-and-forth with institutions. We help clients organize these materials and advise on any additional records needed to complete transfers smoothly.
Confirming ownership means verifying the names on deeds and accounts and identifying any liens, mortgages, or co-ownership arrangements that affect transfer options. For real estate, we check county records and mortgage documentation to determine whether a deed transfer is straightforward or requires lender notification. For jointly held assets, we review how title affects transfer at death and whether retitling or assignment is still necessary. Resolving title issues at the outset prevents unexpected complications during trust administration and ensures clean transfers to successor trustees.
After the initial review we prepare the necessary documents to effect transfers, including general assignment forms, deeds for real estate, and custodian or beneficiary forms for financial accounts. Drafting clear assignment language that references the trust and specifies assets helps create a firm link between the items and the trust. We also prepare a certification of trust to provide institutions with the documentation they need without divulging private trust terms. Careful drafting reduces the likelihood of banks or title companies rejecting the paperwork and helps ensure smooth acceptance of the transfers.
Drafting general assignment forms involves precisely describing personal property and other assets to be included in the trust while referencing the controlling trust document and trust date. For real estate, deed preparation must follow county requirements for format, acknowledgment, and recording to properly reflect the trust’s ownership. Accurate drafting and proper execution prevent disputes about which property the settlor intended to fund. We prepare documents to meet state and local standards and guide clients through signing and notarial steps where required.
Coordinating beneficiary designations and account transfers means contacting banks, brokers, and plan administrators to obtain the correct forms and to confirm their requirements. Some institutions accept a certification of trust, others require full trust documents, and custodians may have proprietary forms for retitling. We work directly with institutions as needed to submit documents and track progress until accounts reflect the trust or official beneficiary changes are recorded. This coordination reduces errors and avoids delays that can arise when institutions request additional information.
Finalization includes recording deeds where necessary, confirming account titles, and providing clients and successor trustees with certified copies of key trust documents and assignment records. We file any required documents with the county recorder, confirm acceptance with financial institutions, and prepare a packet of final trust records and instructions for the trustee. Completing these final steps ensures the trust is well-documented and that the trustee has the materials needed for efficient management. Proper completion provides peace of mind that assets are aligned with the settlor’s wishes.
When real property is involved we prepare and record deeds with the county recorder to show the trust’s interest in the property, and we confirm that mortgages and liens are correctly reflected. Recording brings official public notice and helps third parties recognize the trustee’s authority. For financial accounts, we confirm that custodian records reflect the trust name or the designated beneficiary changes. These actions create the legal and practical evidence that assets belong to the trust and are ready for administration according to its terms.
At the conclusion of the process we deliver a final set of trust records, copies of recorded deeds, assignment documentation, and written instructions for successor trustees on how to access accounts and manage trust property. Clear records help trustees locate assets and follow the settlor’s distribution instructions without undue delay. We also advise clients on safe storage for original documents and recommend who should be provided with copies to facilitate administration. Providing this documentation reduces confusion and supports effective trust management when the trustee must act.
A general assignment is a written document that lists specific items or categories of property and declares those items to be part of a trust so the trustee can manage or distribute them under the trust’s terms. It is used when direct retitling is impractical or when the settlor wants a centralized record of assets intended to be within the trust. The assignment complements deeds, beneficiary forms, and certification of trust documents and helps establish a clear paper trail for trustees and institutions. You might need a general assignment if you have personal property, collections, or accounts that are difficult to retitle immediately, or when you want to document intent across a range of asset types. The assignment helps reduce ambiguity during administration and supports trustee actions by indicating which assets the settlor intended to fund even if some titles have not yet been changed. It is particularly helpful for consolidating smaller or miscellaneous assets under the trust.
Assigning assets to a trust will generally avoid probate for those assets that are properly retitled or otherwise arranged to pass to the trust, but it does not automatically avoid probate for every item you own. Property that remains titled in your individual name or that has conflicting beneficiary designations may still require probate to transfer, so a careful review of titles and account designations is necessary to identify and address any gaps. Some assets, such as retirement accounts, often have their own beneficiary rules that may supersede trust provisions unless they are properly coordinated, and jointly titled property may pass to the surviving co-owner outside of probate. Working through a funding checklist, updating beneficiary designations where appropriate, and ensuring deeds and assignment forms are completed will maximize the assets that pass outside probate and reduce the need for court involvement.
Transferring real estate into a trust in Lake County requires preparing a new deed that conveys the property from the owner to the trustee of the trust and filing that deed with the county recorder. Deed preparation must meet legal formalities, including correct identification of the parties, accurate legal descriptions, proper signatures, and acknowledgments. Recording the deed provides public notice that the trust holds the property, which helps trustees demonstrate authority to manage or transfer it. It is important to review mortgages, liens, and tax considerations before transferring title because lender consent or specific procedures may be required in some situations. We assist clients by preparing the deed, coordinating recording with the county, and confirming that the title reflects the trust while taking into account any financial encumbrances or tax consequences that might affect the transfer.
Retirement accounts have specific rules and distribution options that often make simply assigning them to a trust inappropriate without careful planning. Many retirement plan administrators require beneficiary designations rather than trust ownership, and naming a trust as beneficiary can have tax and distribution consequences that need to be evaluated. It is common to coordinate beneficiary designations with the trust or to use tailored trust provisions to meet long-term goals while respecting plan rules. In some cases, a trust may be named as beneficiary to provide asset protection or to control distributions for minors or dependents, but these choices should reflect tax and distribution considerations. We work with clients to determine whether retirement accounts should remain with individual beneficiaries, be transferred in part, or be structured to interact with the trust in a way that meets both legal and financial objectives.
Yes, a general assignment can cover personal property and household items that are not easily retitled, such as artwork, jewelry, furniture, or collectibles, by listing them in the assignment and indicating the intention to treat them as trust assets. Using an assignment for these items provides a documented link to the trust that can guide trustees and family members in identifying which personal property the settlor intended to include. It reduces ambiguity when items are not recorded in public records the way real estate is. For high-value personal property, it can be helpful to provide detailed descriptions or even photographic inventories to prevent disputes and to ensure that appraisals or valuations can be made when necessary. Assignments should be clear about categories or specific items, and they should be kept with the trust documents so trustees have access to the settlor’s inventory and instructions.
A certification of trust is a shortened version of the trust document that provides essential information to third parties such as banks or title companies without revealing private trust provisions or financial terms. It usually identifies the trust, the trustee, the powers of the trustee, and the date of the trust, and it is signed under penalty of perjury to verify authenticity. Institutions often accept a certification of trust instead of full trust copies to confirm the trustee’s authority while protecting confidential terms. This form is helpful when opening accounts, retitling assets, or completing custodian forms because it streamlines institutional review and reduces the amount of information that must be shared. Preparing a clear certification and keeping certified copies with other trust records can speed account transfers and reduce institutional requests for additional documentation.
Beneficiary designations determine how certain accounts, life insurance policies, and retirement plans pass at death and can override other estate planning documents if not aligned properly. If a beneficiary designation names an individual rather than the trust, that account may bypass the trust and pass directly to the named person. It is important to coordinate designations with trust planning to avoid unintended outcomes and to ensure distributions follow the settlor’s wishes. Updating beneficiary forms to reflect the trust or naming contingent beneficiaries consistent with the trust’s terms helps maintain a cohesive plan. We review beneficiary designations as part of the funding process and advise on whether naming the trust or specific individuals best meets the client’s objectives while taking into account tax and administrative implications.
If some assets are overlooked during funding, those items may pass outside the trust and could require probate or additional administrative steps for distribution. A pour-over will can serve as a safety net by directing any assets not previously assigned to be transferred into the trust at death, but probate may still be necessary to complete that transfer. Overlooked assets can create delays and added costs for heirs and trustees. To minimize this risk, it is advisable to perform periodic reviews of the estate plan, keep an updated inventory, and follow up on any new accounts or acquisitions. We help clients identify and address gaps in the funding process so that the trust encompasses intended property and reduces the likelihood of postmortem complications.
The time required to fund a trust varies with the complexity and number of assets, availability of documents, and the responsiveness of financial institutions and county recorders. Simple funding tasks like updating beneficiary designations may be completed in a matter of days, while preparing and recording deeds or retitling numerous investment accounts can take several weeks or longer depending on third-party requirements. The presence of real estate, mortgages, or business interests generally lengthens the timeline. We provide clients with an estimated timeline after reviewing the inventory and required actions and then manage communications with institutions and the recorder’s office to keep the process moving. Proactive organization and timely signatures can significantly shorten the overall schedule, and we work to anticipate hurdles that might cause delays.
To ensure your trustee can access accounts and manage assets, it is important to prepare clear documentation, including signed trust instruments, assignment forms, recorded deeds, and a certification of trust acceptable to financial institutions. Providing the trustee with a packet of crucial documents and guidance on where originals are stored helps avoid confusion. It is also valuable to notify key institutions in advance so they know what to expect when the trustee presents documentation. Additionally, powers of attorney and advance health care directives complement the trust plan by addressing incapacity issues that arise before death. We help clients assemble a practical binder and provide trustees with written instructions and contact details for banks, brokers, and advisors so that transitions are handled efficiently and in accordance with the settlor’s wishes.
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