The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman helps Mission Viejo residents understand how a certification of trust can streamline property and financial transactions tied to a living trust. A certification of trust is a concise document that verifies the existence and key terms of a trust without revealing the full trust instrument. This summary provides banks, title companies, and other institutions the information they need to accept trust-owned assets while preserving privacy. Our firm explains how this document interacts with related estate planning tools such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, and powers of attorney for a cohesive approach to asset management and transfer.
When planning for the management and transfer of assets, the certification of trust often plays a practical role in day-to-day transactions. It allows trustees to prove their authority to act on behalf of the trust without disclosing sensitive provisions or beneficiary details. In Mission Viejo and throughout California, institutions commonly request a certification when a trust holds bank accounts, real estate, investment accounts, or retirement plan interests. This page explains why a clear certification helps avoid delays in title transfers, account administration, and real property closings, and outlines how it works together with documents like health care directives, powers of attorney, and trust amendment filings.
A certification of trust reduces friction for trustees and financial institutions by providing the essential facts about a trust in a short, accessible form. It helps establish the trustee’s authority to sell property, withdraw funds, or manage accounts, which can prevent administrative hold-ups and possible legal disputes. Using a certification protects beneficiariesʼ privacy because it omits internal trust terms while confirming the trust’s creation, trustee identity, and signature authority. For Californians handling real estate closings or retirement plan distributions, presenting a well-drafted certification can save time, avoid unnecessary requests for the full trust document, and ensure smoother handling of trust assets during life and after a settlor’s incapacity or death.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provide personalized estate planning services to residents of Mission Viejo and the broader Orange County area. Our firm prepares and coordinates trust documents, wills, powers of attorney, and related filings so clients have a cohesive plan that addresses asset protection, healthcare decisions, and successor management. We guide trustees through preparing a certification of trust suited to local institutional requirements and California law, drawing on decades of practice in estate planning matters. Clients receive direct communication and clear explanations of how trust documents work together, including trust modifications, pour-over wills, and provisions for special needs or pet trusts when appropriate.
A certification of trust is a concise affidavit-like document that identifies the trust, the trustees, and the powers granted to trustees for the limited purpose of facilitating transactions. It typically states the trust’s name and date, confirms that the trust exists, lists current trustees and their signing authority, and indicates whether the trust has been revoked or amended. The document does not reveal detailed terms, distribution provisions, or beneficiary designations. In practice, banks and title companies rely on the certification to verify authority to act, which can be faster and less intrusive than requesting a full copy of the trust instrument while complying with privacy concerns.
In California, the Trust Law and common institutional practices influence the content and use of a certification. Trustees must ensure that the certification accurately reflects the trust’s status and the trustee’s powers, as institutions may refuse to accept an incomplete or outdated certification. Preparing the document includes confirming trustee appointments, any corporate or fiduciary capacities, and any limitations on signing authority. Our office assists clients in drafting certifications that meet the needs of lenders, title companies, and custodian institutions while coordinating with related documents such as the general assignment of assets to trust, pour-over will, and certification of trust filings required for specific assets.
The certification of trust functions as a short, notarized statement that confirms the trust exists and sets out key facts for third parties to act on behalf of the trust. Unlike the full trust instrument, the certification omits private details like distribution amounts and conditions, reducing exposure of beneficiaries’ sensitive information. It typically includes the trust name, date, settlor, trustee names, and a statement of the trustee’s authority to manage trust assets. Trustees present this document to financial institutions, escrow agents, and government entities to demonstrate authority without producing the entire trust file, making routine transactions more efficient and less intrusive for all involved parties.
Preparing an effective certification of trust involves confirming accurate and current information about the trust and trustees and following institutional or statutory formatting preferences. Important elements include the trust’s identifying date, trustee names and signatures, a declaration of the trustee’s power to act, and any limitations or successor trustee rules. The process typically includes reviewing the original trust, verifying amendments or revocations, preparing the certification for notarization, and advising trustees on presentation to banks, title companies, or custodians. Our approach includes checking beneficiary protections, updating related documents like the general assignment of assets to trust, and advising trustees on recordkeeping and future modifications.
Understanding common terms used with certifications of trust helps trustees and beneficiaries navigate trust administration and interactions with third parties. This glossary covers essential vocabulary such as settlor, trustee, trust date, successor trustee, pour-over will, and notarization requirements. Each term is described in plain language to clarify how it affects the trustee’s authority and the handling of trust assets. Knowing these definitions can prevent misunderstandings during conveyances, banking transactions, and retirement account transfers, and can help individuals recognize when a certification should be revised due to trustee changes, trust amendments, or other events affecting the trust’s status.
The settlor, sometimes called the grantor, is the person who creates the trust and transfers assets into it. The settlor establishes the trust’s initial terms, names trustees and beneficiaries, and defines how and when distributions occur. In revocable trusts, the settlor frequently retains the ability to amend or revoke the trust during life. The identity and capacity of the settlor can affect how institutions evaluate a certification, particularly if questions arise about changes to the trust or the validity of amendments. Confirming the settlor and the original trust date is a common step when preparing a certification of trust for financial or real estate transactions.
Trustee authority refers to the legal powers granted to a trustee to manage, invest, and distribute trust assets according to the trust document. The certification of trust often lists the scope of those powers for the limited purpose of confirming the trustee’s authority to sign, transfer, or encumber trust property. Trustee duties also include a fiduciary obligation to act in beneficiaries’ best interests, maintain records, and avoid conflicts of interest. Institutions use the certification to ensure the person acting on the trust’s behalf has the authority to complete the requested transaction, such as a real estate closing or account transfer.
A successor trustee is the individual or entity designated to assume trustee duties if the current trustee becomes unable to serve, resigns, or upon the settlor’s incapacity or death. Certifications often indicate how successors are appointed and whether any interim or contingent trustees exist. Confirming successor trustee arrangements is important for probate alternatives and for institutions that need to verify continuity of authority when a primary trustee can no longer act. The certification should reflect any recent changes to successor designations to avoid confusion or delays during property transfers and administrative matters.
A pour-over will works with a living trust by directing any assets not already in the trust to be transferred into it at death, simplifying probate administration. The certification of trust complements a pour-over will by confirming the trust that will receive assets. Other related documents include financial powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and general assignments of assets to trust, which help ensure that assets are managed in accordance with the settlor’s wishes. When combined, these documents form a comprehensive plan for incapacity and asset transfer that minimizes the need for probate and clarifies authority for institutions and successors.
Clients often decide between obtaining a focused certification of trust for specific transactions or pursuing a broader estate plan that includes trust creation, amendments, and related documents. A limited certification is efficient when trustees need to prove authority quickly for a bank or title company without modifying the larger estate plan. A more comprehensive approach addresses long-term goals like tax planning, incapacity planning with powers of attorney and health care directives, and creation of specialized trusts such as special needs or irrevocable life insurance trusts. Each option has advantages depending on the client’s goals, asset types, and the anticipated frequency of trustee interactions with institutions.
A focused certification is often sufficient when a trustee needs to complete a specific transaction, such as transferring title to real estate, opening or closing bank accounts, or handling investment account paperwork. In these situations, institutions typically require verification of the trustee’s authority without access to the full trust document. A well-prepared certification addresses those needs efficiently and can prevent delays that arise when institutions request extensive documentation. For trustees who already have an established trust and simply need to demonstrate signing authority for a single transaction, this limited service is practical and cost-effective while preserving the privacy of trust terms.
When day-to-day management of trust assets requires only periodic confirmation of authority, such as routine withdrawals, bill payments, or account maintenance, a certification of trust provides the necessary proof without repeated disclosure of trust contents. Trustees can present the document to custodians and financial institutions as needed, streamlining routine administration and avoiding repeated requests for the full trust instrument. This approach reduces administrative burden and maintains beneficiary privacy while ensuring that institutions have the clear, notarized statement they need to accept trustee actions on behalf of the trust.
Comprehensive planning becomes important when clients face major life events, have complex assets such as business interests or multiple properties, or seek multi-generational planning. In those cases, updating the trust, preparing a suite of coordinating documents, and reviewing tax and beneficiary considerations can prevent future disputes or unintended consequences. A broader review also ensures the certification of trust aligns with current trust provisions and that related instruments like retirement plan trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, or special needs trusts are properly integrated. Proactive planning can reduce future administrative headaches and help ensure assets are managed and distributed according to the settlor’s intentions.
When trustees resign, become incapacitated, or when beneficiary circumstances change significantly, a comprehensive review of the estate plan is often appropriate. Those changes may necessitate trust amendments, updates to powers of attorney, or new designations for successor trustees. Revisiting the plan ensures the certification of trust accurately reflects current arrangements and that all documents work together to facilitate seamless administration. Addressing these changes proactively reduces the likelihood of institutional refusals, transfer delays, or family disputes during crucial transitions and helps maintain continuity in trust management and asset protection strategies.
A comprehensive approach to estate planning ties together a certification of trust with complementary documents like revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Coordinating these instruments reduces gaps that can lead to probate, account freezes, or creditor exposure. It also clarifies the roles and responsibilities of trustees and successors, ensuring institutions accept trustee authority when needed. By aligning the certification with the full plan, clients gain predictability and protection in day-to-day transactions and long-term asset transfer, while maintaining privacy for the substantive terms of the trust.
In addition to administrative convenience, a coordinated plan supports continuity in the event of incapacity or death by establishing clear procedures and authorizations. This benefits families and trustees who must manage finances, make health care decisions, or transfer property. A comprehensive review can also uncover opportunities to improve tax outcomes, update beneficiary designations, and ensure retirement plan trusts and irrevocable life insurance trusts are correctly structured. Working through these matters in a single planning process helps reduce future legal costs and minimizes the need for emergency or ad hoc legal interventions during stressful times.
One of the primary benefits of using a certification alongside a comprehensive plan is the preservation of privacy while enabling efficient transactions. Institutions receive the facts they need to act without viewing the trust’s full provisions, reducing unnecessary exposure of beneficiary information. That privacy reduces the risk of disputes and protects family confidentiality. At the same time, a coordinated set of documents anticipates common banking and title company requirements so that trustees can respond quickly to requests, avoid repeated documentation demands, and complete sales, transfers, and account changes without costly delays or confusion.
Coordinating the certification of trust with a broader estate plan streamlines administration and lowers the likelihood of disputes, which can reduce legal fees and administrative costs over time. When documents are consistent and up to date, trustees spend less time responding to institutional requests or correcting outdated authority statements. This forward planning minimizes emergency interventions, clarifies successor roles, and makes asset transfers more predictable. Clients find that investing in a well-organized plan often pays dividends by preventing future complications and helping families navigate transitions with greater confidence and less expense.
Before presenting a certification of trust to a bank, title company, or custodian, verify the current trustee names, successor arrangements, and any recent amendments to the trust. Institutions often require notarized signatures and up-to-date information, so confirming these details in advance helps prevent rejections or requests for additional documentation. Keeping an organized record of trustee appointments and amendments reduces delays during real estate closings and account changes. Regular reviews are particularly important after life events such as death, divorce, or changes in trustee availability so the certification accurately reflects the trust’s status.
Ensure the certification of trust is consistent with other estate planning documents such as pour-over wills, financial powers of attorney, health care directives, and any trust amendments. Inconsistencies between documents can create confusion for institutions or lead to contested actions. When adjusting trustees, beneficiaries, or dispositive terms, update the certification accordingly. Coordinating these documents also helps ensure that retirement plan trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, and special needs trusts are integrated effectively, minimizing the chance of delays or disputes when assets are transferred or managed after incapacity or death.
Residents often seek a certification of trust to simplify banking and real estate transactions or to provide clear authority for trustees managing investments and retirement accounts. The certification reduces the need to disclose the full trust instrument, preserving privacy while ensuring institutions have the facts required to accept trustee actions. It can be particularly useful for trustees who frequently interact with title companies, banks, or custodians, or for those handling property sales and account transfers. Having a ready certification helps avoid delays and ensures that routine administration proceeds smoothly when the trustee needs to act quickly.
Another reason to consider this service is to prepare for transitions such as trustee succession, settlor incapacity, or the death of a settlor. A current certification clarifies successor trustee authority and reduces the likelihood of institutional resistance when new trustees step in. It also supports coordinated estate planning by aligning with other documents like advance health care directives and powers of attorney. Planning ahead with a certification helps families and trustees manage practical matters with confidence and can reduce the risk of disputes or administrative interruptions during sensitive times.
Typical scenarios that require a certification include real estate sales or refinances where title companies request proof of trustee authority, financial institutions that need verification to transfer or access trust accounts, and custodians processing retirement plan distributions payable to a trust. Other circumstances include closing escrow, transferring vehicle titles, or handling investment account changes. Trustees may also present a certification when opening bank accounts or when an institution requires confirmation of successor trustee status. In each case, a clear, notarized certification expedites the institution’s acceptance of trustee actions and prevents unnecessary requests for the full trust instrument.
Real estate transactions often prompt requests for a certification of trust because title companies require proof that the trustee is authorized to convey or encumber trust property. Providing a properly drafted certification helps complete escrow and recordation tasks without exposing the trust’s detailed distribution provisions. It can also clarify any limitations on trustee authority and confirm successor trustee arrangements if the original trustee is unavailable. Preparing the certification before listing or closing property reduces the risk of last-minute delays, ensures compliance with title company policies, and helps the sale proceed on schedule.
Banks and brokerage firms frequently request a certification to confirm a trustee’s authority to open, close, or transfer accounts held in the name of a trust. Custodians use the document to accept instructions, change beneficiaries, or move assets between accounts. Presenting the certification with the trustee’s notarized signature typically satisfies institutional requirements and avoids the need to produce the full trust instrument. Trustees should ensure the certification reflects current trustee appointments and any limitations, and should verify specific institutional formatting preferences to facilitate timely processing of account changes.
Retirement plan administrators and custodians may require a certification to distribute funds to a trust or to accept a trust as a payable-on-death or beneficiary designation. Certain retirement plan trusts and retirement account transfers trigger additional documentation needs, and a clear certification helps confirm authority and trust identity. Trustees should coordinate the certification with retirement plan trust provisions to ensure that custodians accept the trust as the proper payee or beneficiary. Accurate certifications prevent delays in processing distributions and help maintain continuity of retirement plan administration during transitions.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provide local support for Mission Viejo residents who need clear, practical estate planning documents, including certifications of trust and related instruments. We help clients prepare, review, and update documents such as revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and various specialized trust vehicles. Our team guides trustees on presenting certifications to banks, title companies, and custodians and advises on recordkeeping and trustee responsibilities. Clients in the area rely on prompt communication, careful document preparation, and practical recommendations tailored to California law and local institutional practices.
Clients choose the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman for clear, client-focused estate planning guidance and practical document preparation. We prioritize straightforward communication and help clients understand how a certification of trust fits into a larger estate plan. Our services include drafting certifications that align with institutional requirements, coordinating related documents such as general assignments of assets to trust and pour-over wills, and advising trustees on notarization and presentation to third parties. The goal is to make routine transactions smoother while protecting the privacy and integrity of the trust instrument.
We assist trustees and settlors through every step of preparing an effective certification and related estate planning work. This includes reviewing the trust for recent amendments, confirming successor trustee appointments, and ensuring the certification contains the facts institutions require. Our approach helps avoid delays in real estate closings, bank transactions, and custodial transfers by ensuring the documentation presented is accurate and organized. Clients appreciate practical advice on coordinating their trust documents with retirement plan trusts and other instruments to achieve predictable administration and transfers.
From initial consultations to finalizing notarized certifications and other estate planning documents, our office focuses on responsive service and attention to detail. We help clients maintain clear records, understand institutional preferences, and update certifications after life changes such as trustee resignations or changes in asset ownership. By anticipating common institutional requests and aligning documents accordingly, we aim to reduce administrative burdens for trustees and families, ensuring that assets are handled in accordance with the settlor’s intentions and California legal requirements.
Our preparation process begins with a review of the original trust and any amendments to confirm the trust’s current terms, trustee appointments, and successor designations. We then draft a concise certification that includes the identifying date, trustee names, a statement of authority, and any relevant limitations or successor provisions. The document is prepared for notarization and tailored to common institutional preferences. We also advise trustees on recordkeeping and on updating related documents such as general assignments, pour-over wills, and powers of attorney to ensure consistency across the estate plan and smoother interactions with banks and title companies.
First, we collect and review the original trust instrument, any amendments, and supporting documents that affect trustee authority or asset ownership. This includes verifying the trust date, settlor identity, current trustee and successor trustee names, and any restrictions on trustee powers. We confirm which assets are held by the trust and note any special provisions that might influence institutional acceptance. Gathering this information early helps us draft a certification that reflects the trust’s current status and meets the factual needs of banks, title companies, and custodians, preventing back-and-forth delays during transactions.
We examine the trust to confirm the official name, date, and any amendments that alter trustee authority or beneficiary designations. Identifying these changes ensures the certification accurately represents the trust’s present status. This review helps determine whether successor trustees need to be named, if any corporate trustees are involved, and whether any power limitations should be noted. Accurate identification reduces the risk of institutional refusals and ensures that transactions move forward without requesting the full trust instrument unnecessarily.
As part of the initial step, we collect supporting documents that may be required by institutions, such as previously recorded deeds, account statements showing trust ownership, and identification for trustees. We also prepare signature blocks and notarization instructions for trustees who must sign the certification. Having these supporting items ready helps institutions quickly verify the trust’s authority and the trustee’s identity, minimizing the likelihood of additional documentation requests and expediting closings or account changes.
After gathering required information, we draft a certification tailored to the client’s needs and to common institutional expectations. The document includes the trust name and date, trustee names, and a concise statement of authority that addresses the specific types of transactions anticipated. We ensure the language maintains privacy by omitting distribution details while providing sufficient facts for acceptance by banks, title companies, and custodians. Clients receive a draft for review and we make revisions to address any concerns about representation, limitations, or successor designations before finalizing for notarization.
We adjust the wording of the certification to match common institutional requirements while maintaining the trust’s confidentiality. This can include specifying the extent of signing authority, clarifying whether the trustee acts individually or jointly, and noting any restrictions on real property conveyance. Tailored language reduces the likelihood that a bank or title company will request the full trust instrument and helps expedite transactions. Our review process includes checks for consistency with the trust document and any related agreements to avoid contradictory statements.
Before finalizing the certification, we provide the client with a draft for review to confirm accuracy and completeness. This step allows trustees to verify names, authority statements, and any noted limitations or successor designations. After client approval, we prepare the document for notarization and advise on where and how to present it to institutions. Clear client review reduces the risk of errors that could lead to institutional refusals and ensures the certification functions as intended during real estate closings, account transfers, or other fiduciary actions.
The final step includes notarizing the trustee’s signature on the certification and presenting the properly executed document to the requesting bank, title company, or custodian. We advise trustees on best practices for recordkeeping and may coordinate directly with institutional representatives to confirm acceptance. If an institution requests additional language or format adjustments, we make those revisions to avoid transaction delays. Proper execution and presentation of the certification ensure trustees can manage trust assets effectively and complete property transfers without unnecessary exposure of private trust provisions.
We guide trustees through notarization requirements to ensure that the certification meets institutional standards and will be accepted without question. Proper notarization, combined with organized records showing trust ownership, helps institutions verify authority efficiently. Clients receive advice on storing executed certifications and supporting documentation so trustees can produce them easily for future transactions. Clear recordkeeping reduces repetition and supports continuity in trust administration when trustees change or when beneficiaries request information.
After the certification is executed, we remain available to assist with presentation issues or follow-up requests from banks, title companies, or custodians. If an institution requires additional information or specific form language, we can update the certification or prepare supplemental documents as needed. Ongoing support helps trustees address unforeseen questions and keeps transactions moving smoothly. This continuity is particularly helpful during complex transfers, retirement plan distributions, or when updating successor trustee information over time.
A certification of trust usually contains essential factual information designed to prove the trust exists and that the trustee has authority to act. Typical elements include the trust name and date, settlor identity, current trustee names, a brief statement of the trustee’s powers, and any limitations or successor trustee designations. The document avoids disclosing distribution details or beneficiary identities, focusing on information institutions need to accept trustee actions during transactions. Including the correct identifying date and trustee signatures is important for institutional acceptance and prevents requests for the full trust instrument. When preparing a certification, it is important to confirm recent amendments and the current trustee roster to ensure accuracy and prevent delays. Institutions often require notarized signatures, so preparing the certification with notarization in mind helps streamline closings and account changes related to trust assets.
Banks, title companies, and custodians commonly request a certification of trust when trustees need to transfer property, change account ownership, or process distributions payable to a trust. Title companies may request one during real estate sales or refinances to verify that the trustee is authorized to convey trust property. Banks and brokerages often require a certification to accept instructions regarding trust accounts or to open new accounts titled in the trust’s name. Institutions use the document as a short, reliable confirmation of trustee authority without requesting the full trust instrument. If an institution requests additional documentation, the certification can be updated or supplemented to address specific concerns and meet the institution’s requirements in a timely manner.
Presenting a certification of trust is designed to preserve the privacy of the trust’s detailed terms while providing institutions with the facts they need to accept trustee actions. The certification intentionally omits sensitive provisions like beneficiary shares, contingent distribution rules, and internal trust conditions, so the trust’s substantive terms remain private. This balance allows trustees to complete routine transactions without exposing private family or financial details. However, certain situations may still require more information, and in those cases institutions may request additional documentation or a full copy of the trust. Trustees should work with counsel to draft a certification that provides necessary facts while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
A certification of trust should be reviewed and updated whenever there is a change in trustee appointments, significant amendments to the trust, or after events such as death or incapacity of a settlor or trustee. Institutions may not accept an outdated certification, so updating the document to reflect current trustees and any amendments is important to avoid transaction delays. Periodic review as part of routine estate plan maintenance helps ensure the certification remains accurate. If the trust’s terms or trustee roster are stable, having a current, well-drafted certification available reduces the need for frequent revisions and supports prompt acceptance by banks and title companies during transactions.
Yes, certifications of trust are commonly used when retirement plan administrators or custodians need to verify that a trust is the proper payee or beneficiary or to process distributions payable to a trust. Preparing the certification in coordination with the retirement plan trust provisions helps ensure that custodians accept the trust as a payee and process disbursements correctly. Special attention should be paid to any plan-specific requirements and to whether additional forms or beneficiary designations are necessary. Working with counsel to align the certification with retirement plan documentation reduces the risk of processing errors and delays when distributing retirement assets to a trust.
If an institution refuses to accept a certification of trust, it is often due to incomplete information, mismatched dates, or a preference for specific language or formatting. In those cases, the certification can be revised to address the institution’s concerns, such as clarifying signing authority, noting successor trustee arrangements, or including additional identifying details. Our office can work with the institution to determine acceptable language and update the certification accordingly. If the refusal persists, further documentation may be required, and we can assist by preparing the necessary supplemental materials while seeking to minimize intrusion into the trust’s private provisions.
Notarization is commonly required or strongly recommended for certifications of trust because it helps institutions verify the authenticity of the trustee’s signature and reduces the likelihood of challenges to authority. Many banks and title companies will specifically request notarized signatures, and some require acknowledgment of the signature in a form acceptable to them. Notarization, combined with clear records demonstrating trust ownership of assets, enhances the document’s credibility and acceptance. Trustees should follow institutional notarization preferences and keep copies of the notarized certification for future transactions, updating the document as needed when trustee changes occur.
A pour-over will complements a living trust by directing any assets remaining in the decedent’s name into the trust upon death, thereby helping avoid probate for those assets. The certification of trust identifies the trust that will receive those assets, providing institutions with confirmation of the trust’s existence and trustee authority without revealing distribution specifics. While the pour-over will operates through probate if assets remain outside the trust, using a certification helps streamline transfers of trust-owned assets during administration. Coordinating these documents ensures assets are ultimately managed and distributed according to the settlor’s intentions with minimal administrative hurdles.
A successor trustee can be an individual, multiple persons, or an institution designated to assume trustee duties if the primary trustee cannot serve. The trust document specifies who will act as successor and under what circumstances they step into the role. A certification of trust typically reflects the current successor arrangements so that institutions can identify the appropriate representative in case of incapacity or death. Ensuring successor trustee information is up to date in the certification helps prevent confusion and delays during transitions and supports uninterrupted administration of trust assets for beneficiaries.
Preparing a certification of trust without first reviewing the trust can create significant risks, including inaccuracies about trustee authority, outdated successor designations, or omissions of limitations on the trustee’s powers. These errors can lead to institutional refusals or disputes that delay transactions and complicate administration. A careful review ensures the certification aligns with the trust’s current terms and any amendments, preventing misunderstandings. Working with counsel to review the trust before drafting the certification reduces the chance of problems and helps ensure the document will be accepted by banks, title companies, and custodians when needed.
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