A Certification of Trust is a concise document that summarizes the existence and authority of a trust without revealing its detailed terms. For residents of Solvang and Santa Barbara County, having a Certification of Trust can simplify interactions with banks, financial institutions, and certain third parties by proving who has authority to act for the trust. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, we assist clients in preparing clear, practical certifications that reflect the trust’s current trustees and powers. This streamlined document often resolves questions from institutions while protecting the privacy of the trust’s substantive provisions and beneficiaries.
When dealing with estate planning administration tasks such as transferring accounts, managing property, or handling beneficiary matters, a Certification of Trust offers a practical tool to demonstrate legal authority. It typically includes the trust name, date, trustee information, and statements about the trustee’s powers, and it may include how to contact the trustee. For individuals in Solvang seeking to reduce friction when dealing with financial institutions, preparing a Certification of Trust in advance can prevent delays and reduce disputes about who may sign documents or access trust assets on behalf of the trust.
A properly drafted Certification of Trust prevents unnecessary disclosure of detailed trust provisions while providing enough information for third parties to rely on the trustee’s authority. It can speed transactions, avoid refusals by banks or title companies, and reduce the need for producing full trust documents in routine circumstances. By limiting the information disclosed, it also helps maintain privacy for beneficiaries. In many situations, institutions will accept a certification in lieu of the trust instrument, which reduces administrative burdens and potential conflict, saving time and minimizing the risk of inadvertent distribution or mishandling of trust assets.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman assists California residents with a full range of estate planning documents, including certifications, revocable living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and trust-related pleadings. Our attorneys prioritize clear communication, careful drafting, and practical solutions tailored to each client’s circumstances. Serving clients across Santa Barbara County and beyond, the firm focuses on preventing common administration pitfalls and ensuring documents are accepted by financial institutions and courts when needed. We strive to provide responsive guidance throughout the life of a trust and during transitions after a trustee change or a grantor’s passing.
A Certification of Trust is a short, formal declaration that confirms the existence of a trust and identifies the trustee or trustees authorized to act. Unlike full trust copies, this document omits beneficiary designations and detailed provision language to protect privacy. It often lists the trust’s name, the date it was executed, the identity of the trustee, and a statement of the trustee’s powers. Many banks, brokerage firms, and title companies accept a certification as sufficient evidence of authority. Preparing a clear, legally sound certification reduces friction in daily trust administration and helps ensure institutions recognize and honor trustee actions.
Because state practice and institutional requirements can vary, a Certification of Trust should be drafted to comply with applicable California code and common institutional practices. The document must be precise about trustee authority and any limitations to avoid disputes. Trustees should keep supporting documentation, such as the original trust document and signatures, readily available if a third party requests further proof. Updating a certification when trustees change or when trust terms are amended is an important part of ongoing trust maintenance to prevent confusion or refusal by institutions relying on prior information.
A Certification of Trust typically identifies the trust by name and execution date, names the current trustee or trustees, and includes a declaration about the trustee’s authority to manage trust assets. It may state whether the trust is revocable and whether the trustee’s actions require co-trustee concurrence. Financial institutions accept these statements as evidence of authority because they avoid exposing sensitive provisions while providing the essential facts needed to process transactions. The careful balance between sufficient disclosure and privacy is why many trustees prefer a certification for routine dealings with banks, investment firms, and title companies.
Creating an effective Certification of Trust involves gathering the trust name and date, verifying trustee identities, confirming whether the trust remains revocable, and outlining any relevant authority or restrictions. The trustee must sign the certification under penalty of perjury when required, and notarization can improve acceptance by institutions. The process often includes confirming successor trustees and documenting recent amendments or restatements. Communicating with the financial institutions in advance about their specific documentation needs can prevent back-and-forth delays. Proper recordkeeping and timely updates ensure trustees maintain accurate proof of authority when conducting trust business.
Understanding certain terms helps trustees and beneficiaries navigate trust administration smoothly. Terms like trustee, settlor, revocable trust, successor trustee, and certification itself are central to interpreting documentation and knowing what institutions will accept. Clarifying these terms reduces misunderstandings when presenting a Certification of Trust to a bank or title company. A basic glossary equips trustees with language to respond to requests and to confirm when a certification suffices versus when a full trust copy or a court filing might be required. Clear definitions also help beneficiaries understand roles and limitations in trust management.
The trustee is the person or entity legally empowered to manage and administer the trust assets according to the trust document’s terms. Trustees have a duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries and must follow the directions set out in the trust instrument. Their powers often include managing investments, transferring property, and distributing income or principal as authorized. A Certification of Trust identifies the trustee so third parties can accept trustee authority without seeing private trust provisions, thereby enabling routine transactions while maintaining beneficiary privacy.
The settlor or grantor is the individual who created the trust and transferred assets into it. This person sets the trust’s terms, names initial trustees, and designates beneficiaries. In revocable trusts, the settlor often retains the ability to amend or revoke the trust during their lifetime, which affects how institutions evaluate authority statements. Knowing the settlor’s role clarifies why certain powers exist and why a certification may reference whether the trust is revocable or irrevocable at the time of inquiry.
A revocable trust is a trust arrangement that the settlor can change or terminate while alive, retaining certain powers over the assets and trust terms. Because the settlor can modify or revoke the trust, institutions often require a clear statement in a Certification of Trust about whether the trust remains revocable and who the current trustees are. This designation can affect how banks and title companies accept transactions. Trustees should ensure certifications accurately reflect the trust’s current revocation status to prevent refusals or confusion during asset transfers or account management.
A successor trustee is the person or entity designated to take over management of the trust when the initial trustee is unable or unwilling to serve, often upon the settlor’s death or incapacity. Certifications of Trust commonly identify successor trustees if they are already serving or if a change has recently occurred. Banks and other institutions rely on clear successor trustee identification to allow seamless management of accounts and property. Proper documentation of successor appointments and any change-of-trustee actions helps avoid disputes and delays during trust administration.
When proving trustee authority, there are several options: presenting a Certification of Trust, producing a full copy of the trust document, or obtaining a court order confirming authority. Certifications are often preferred because they disclose only necessary information while preserving privacy. Full trust copies are sometimes required for complex transactions or by cautious institutions, and court involvement may be necessary in contested situations. Selecting the right approach depends on the institution’s requirements, the transaction type, and whether privacy or clarity regarding trust terms is the priority for the trustee and beneficiaries.
A Certification of Trust is often adequate for routine banking matters such as changing account signatories, accessing funds, or managing investment accounts owned by the trust. Many banks accept a concise certification confirming trustee identity and powers without requiring the trust’s complete terms. This limited approach preserves confidentiality while enabling necessary account management. Trustees should verify the bank’s specific form requirements and ensure the certification includes any statements the bank requests to avoid delays. Maintaining an up-to-date certification for these routine interactions can reduce administrative burdens for trustees and beneficiaries alike.
Title companies or escrow agents sometimes accept a Certification of Trust when transferring real estate owned by a trust, provided the certification confirms the trustee’s authority to convey property. This acceptance depends on the title company’s policies and the jurisdiction’s practice. Using a certification can streamline transactions and protect privacy by avoiding full trust disclosure. Trustees should confirm upfront with title professionals about any additional documentation needed and be prepared to provide a full trust copy or additional affidavits if the institution declines the certification alone.
Some transactions involve complexities or heightened scrutiny that make presenting a full trust copy or obtaining court confirmation advisable. Real estate sales with unusual title issues, high-value transfers, or institutions with strict compliance protocols may require more comprehensive documentation. In contested situations where trustee authority is disputed, a court filing or declaratory relief may be necessary to establish clear authority. In such circumstances, thorough legal assistance ensures proper filings and coherent presentation of the trust’s terms to protect trustees and beneficiaries during complex dealings.
If there are disagreements among beneficiaries or trustees about trust terms, distributions, or trustee conduct, a more comprehensive legal process is often required. Mediation, formal petitions, or court proceedings can clarify rights, resolve conflicts, and obtain enforceable orders. In these situations, simply presenting a Certification of Trust is unlikely to resolve underlying disputes. Careful documentation, communication among parties, and, when necessary, legal filings help provide a durable resolution so that trust administration can proceed in an orderly manner with authority and responsibilities clearly established.
A comprehensive approach to trust documentation ensures that trustees and beneficiaries have clear, reliable records that anticipate institutional and legal demands. Preparing Certifications of Trust alongside properly executed trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives reduces the chance of confusion during key transitions. Comprehensive recordkeeping also makes it easier to respond to requests from banks, investment firms, and title companies. This proactive stance can shorten transaction timelines and reduce the risk of disputes by providing consistent, accurate statements about who may act on behalf of the trust and under what authority.
Thorough planning and documentation also help protect the settlor’s intentions and beneficiaries’ interests by making it clear how assets should be managed and distributed. When successor trustees, amendments, or restatements are properly recorded, successor decision-makers can act confidently. A comprehensive process includes regular updates to documents and certifications to reflect changes in trusteeship, beneficiaries, or asset ownership. Keeping everything current prevents costly delays and reduces the likelihood that institutions will request additional proof or refuse to honor trustee actions.
When trust documents and Certifications of Trust are prepared and maintained carefully, administrative delays at banks, brokerages, and title companies are minimized. Institutions frequently have standard requirements for verifying authority; providing the requested documentation in the correct form helps transactions move forward without repeated requests for additional proof. Clear certifications reduce uncertainty, allowing trustees to access accounts, transfer assets, or close transactions more quickly. That streamlined process benefits trustees and beneficiaries by preserving value and avoiding protracted administrative hurdles during trust management or estate settlement.
A certification allows trustees to produce limited information to third parties while safeguarding the trust’s operative terms and beneficiary details. This preserves privacy and prevents unnecessary dissemination of sensitive family or financial information. Comprehensive record control means trustees provide only what is needed for a transaction while keeping complete trust documents secured. That balance between disclosure and confidentiality is especially important when multiple accounts, diverse assets, or public filings are involved. Thoughtful documentation helps maintain privacy without sacrificing legal authority for necessary transactions.
Maintaining an up-to-date Certification of Trust is an important part of trust administration. Whenever trustees change, the trust is amended, or the settlor’s revocation status changes, updating the certification prevents confusion and reduces the chance that a bank or title company will refuse to accept the document. Keep copies in a secure, accessible place and provide institutions with the most current version when handling accounts or property. Regular reviews of trust records help trustees respond promptly to requests and ensure that authority statements accurately reflect the trust’s current structure and roles.
While a Certification of Trust avoids exposing full trust terms, trustees should retain the original trust instrument, amendments, and related records in a secure location. If a third party requests a full trust copy or if a dispute arises, having those documents available allows prompt response and helps verify the certification’s statements. Secure storage also protects beneficiary privacy and ensures continuity of administration if successor trustees need to step in. Consider maintaining both physical copies and encrypted digital backups to balance accessibility and security for important trust records.
Preparing a Certification of Trust provides a practical way to demonstrate trustee authority without revealing the trust’s confidential provisions, which is beneficial for routine banking, investment, and title transactions. By presenting a concise certification, trustees can often avoid producing a full trust copy, protecting beneficiary privacy while allowing institutions to accept trustee actions. For many families and trust administrators, this approach reduces administrative friction and speeds asset management tasks. It is a prudent step in ongoing trust maintenance and can be particularly helpful after trustee changes or when managing multiple accounts held in trust.
A certification can also serve as part of a broader plan to keep estate documents organized and accessible. When combined with a revocable living trust, a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and health care directives, a Certification of Trust helps ensure that trustees and family members can carry out important tasks efficiently. This coordinated documentation supports continuity and reduces the potential for disputes by clarifying who has authority and what steps are needed to manage or distribute trust assets, making transition periods easier to navigate for trustees and beneficiaries.
Certifications of Trust are commonly used when trustees need to access bank accounts, transfer or sell property owned by the trust, update investment accounts, or manage other financial matters requiring proof of authority. They are also helpful when successor trustees assume responsibility, when institutions request documentation after a grantor’s incapacity or death, and when trust-owned assets must be consolidated or retitled. Because the certification provides essential facts without disclosing private terms, it is often the preferred document for routine third-party dealings, unless the institution explicitly asks for a full trust copy or additional proof.
When trustees need to access or change trust-owned bank or brokerage accounts, a Certification of Trust usually suffices to confirm signing authority. Institutions often require verification that the trustee named on the account is authorized to act, and a concise certification provides that verification while keeping detailed trust provisions private. Trustees should confirm the institution’s preferred format and whether notarization or additional identification is needed. Providing a clear, current certification helps avoid account freezes or refusals and allows trustees to manage investments, transfer funds, and handle account administration more smoothly.
Trust-owned real estate transactions frequently require proof that a trustee has authority to convey or encumber property. Title companies and escrow agents may accept a Certification of Trust that confirms the trustee’s powers to sell or mortgage trust property. Acceptance varies by company and transaction complexity, so trustees should check requirements early in the process. Providing a certification can streamline closings by removing the need to record or disclose the entire trust instrument, preserving privacy while satisfying title and escrow parties that the trustee is properly authorized to complete the transaction.
If a trust holds business interests or corporate accounts, institutions may request proof of trustee authority to sign agreements, execute transfers, or manage company assets. A Certification of Trust that clearly states the trustee’s powers and any limitations can help facilitate changes in ownership or signatory authority. Trustees should ensure the certification matches corporate record requirements and consider providing supporting corporate documents when necessary. Clear, consistent documentation reduces the likelihood of administrative hurdles when trusts engage in business transactions or manage company holdings.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides guidance and document preparation for residents of Solvang and Santa Barbara County seeking Certifications of Trust and related estate planning services. We help trustees assemble accurate certifications, update documents when trustees change, and coordinate with banks, title companies, and other institutions to meet their documentation standards. Our approach emphasizes clear communication and practical solutions so trustees can manage trust affairs with confidence. We serve clients across California and aim to make trust administration less burdensome during transitions or routine business.
Choosing a law firm to prepare Certifications of Trust involves finding someone who understands the intersection of trust law and institutional practices. The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provide thorough document preparation, careful review of trustee authority, and practical guidance for presenting certifications to banks and title companies. We assist clients in anticipating common institutional requests and drafting certifications that balance clarity and privacy. Our goal is to reduce friction in trust administration by producing documents that are readily accepted by third parties and that reflect the trust’s current status and trustee roles.
Clients benefit from a hands-on approach that includes review of the trust instrument, identification of necessary updates, and coaching for trustees on maintaining records and responding to institutional inquiries. We prepare certifications tailored to the trust’s needs and help trustees understand how to use them effectively with financial institutions and other third parties. When more involved steps are necessary, such as dealing with disputes or title complications, we can assist with the appropriate proceedings to secure authority or resolve challenges so trust administration can proceed smoothly.
We also prioritize accessibility and responsiveness to clients in Solvang and surrounding communities, offering clear explanations, timely document delivery, and practical follow-up to ensure institutions accept the provided certifications. Our firm coordinates with trustees and third parties when needed to address any additional documentation requests and to streamline transactions. This hands-on support helps trustees manage accounts, complete real estate transfers, and perform other trust-related tasks with fewer interruptions and greater confidence that their documentation meets common institutional standards.
Our process begins with a careful review of the trust instrument, any amendments, and current trustee appointments. We confirm the trust’s name and date, determine the revocation status, and identify any limitations on trustee authority that should be disclosed. Next, we draft a Certification of Trust that includes the essential statements institutions typically require, and we tailor the language to reflect California practice and the preferences of likely third parties. We review the certification with the trustee, arrange notarization if needed, and provide guidance on presenting it to banks or title companies.
The first step involves reviewing the trust document, any restatements or amendments, and the current trust records to verify who is authorized to act. We confirm successor trustee designations and note any constraints on trustee powers that must be disclosed to third parties. Gathering the accurate identifying information and verifying signatures ensures the certification reliably represents the trust’s current status. This foundational review helps avoid errors that could lead to institution refusals or later disputes about the trustee’s authority to manage or transfer trust assets.
Confirming the trust’s exact name and execution date is essential because institutions rely on these identifiers when matching records. We cross-check trust documents and recorded deeds to ensure consistency and prevent confusion. Accurate identification reduces the risk that a bank or title company will request additional proof or a full trust copy. By validating these basic facts early in the process, trustees can present a certification that aligns with institutional records and supports smoother processing of transactions involving trust property or accounts.
We verify who is currently appointed as trustee and whether any successor trustees have been named or have assumed duties. This verification often involves reviewing amendments, resignation letters, or death certificates and recording any changes that affect authority. Providing a certification that accurately names the acting trustee prevents misunderstandings and helps institutions accept trustee actions without unnecessary demands for additional documentation. Proper verification is a vital step in maintaining continuity of management and ensuring trust assets are handled according to the trust’s terms.
After verifying the trust details, we draft a Certification of Trust tailored to the trust’s circumstances and likely institutional needs. The draft includes the trust name, date, trustee identity, a statement about revocability, and any specific powers or limitations relevant to anticipated transactions. We avoid disclosing confidential beneficiary information and focus on providing sufficient statements for third-party acceptance. We then review the draft with the trustee to ensure accuracy, incorporate any requested changes, and prepare the final signed and, if required, notarized version for presentation to institutions.
Different institutions may ask for particular language or confirmations, so we tailor certifications to address common banking and title requirements while preserving privacy. Customization may include specifying that the trustee has power to sell or encumber property or confirming whether the trust is revocable. Including clear, direct statements that align with the institution’s needs increases the likelihood that the certification will be accepted without further documentation. We advise trustees on potential follow-up requests and prepare supporting information to address those scenarios proactively.
Many institutions prefer notarized certifications to verify the trustee’s signature and identity. We coordinate the signing and notarization process to ensure the certification is executed properly and meets formal requirements. Where applicable, we provide guidance on witness signatures or attestation clauses that some entities may request. Completing these formalities at the time of preparation reduces the likelihood of later objections and increases the certification’s acceptance for transactions involving accounts, securities, or real property held by the trust.
Once the certification is finalized and executed, we advise trustees on presenting it to banks, escrow agents, or other institutions and provide any necessary cover letters or supporting documentation. If an institution requests additional proof, we assist in preparing the required materials or communicating with the institution’s legal or compliance department. Follow-up support helps ensure the certification is accepted and that transactions proceed without undue delay. We also recommend retaining copies and logging where certifications have been used to maintain clear administrative records.
We help trustees anticipate common institutional questions and coordinate directly with banks or brokerages when necessary to explain the certification and provide any supplemental forms. Early communication with financial institutions helps identify specific requirements and reduces the risk of rejection at the point of transaction. When additional documentation is requested, we assist in gathering and delivering the necessary materials so trustees can complete account changes or transfers with minimal interruption to asset management activities.
After the certification has been used, we recommend logging the transaction details, the institution contacted, and any additional documentation provided. Maintaining a clear record of where and when certifications were presented helps trustees respond to follow-up inquiries and provides a reference for future institution interactions. Good recordkeeping supports continuity if successor trustees step in and helps demonstrate that proper procedures were followed during administration, which can be valuable if questions arise later about transactions or trustee authority.
A Certification of Trust is a succinct document that confirms the existence of a trust and identifies the current trustee or trustees and their authority. It avoids disclosing the trust’s detailed terms and beneficiary designations, which helps protect privacy while providing third parties with the essential facts needed to accept trustee actions. Institutions commonly use certifications to verify authority for routine financial and property transactions without requesting the full trust instrument. The certification typically includes the trust name, the date it was executed, the identity of the trustee, and a statement about whether the trust is revocable and whether the trustee’s powers are limited. Because rules and institutional preferences vary, trustees should ensure the certification is drafted to meet California law and the likely requirements of banks or title companies. Keeping supporting trust records available provides an extra layer of readiness in case a third party requests further proof.
Banks will accept a Certification of Trust when the document contains the information their compliance departments require to verify trustee authority. That often means the certification must state the trust’s name and date, identify the trustee, and include a declaration about the trustee’s powers. Some banks have specific forms or language preferences, so confirming the bank’s requirements in advance is helpful. A notarized certification can increase acceptance because it verifies the trustee’s signature and identity. However, certain banks may request a full trust copy for larger transactions or when they have more stringent internal policies. If a bank declines the certification, a trustee can ask what additional documentation would satisfy the request, which may help avoid providing the entire trust instrument unless absolutely necessary. Proactive communication and tailored certifications often prevent refusals and speed account-related actions.
In California, a Certification of Trust should clearly identify the trust by name and execution date, the current trustee or trustees, and whether the trust is revocable. It should also include a statement that the signing trustee has the authority to perform specified acts, such as managing accounts or conveying real property. Appropriate execution, including a trustee signature and notarization when requested, enhances the certification’s acceptance by third parties. The certification should avoid unnecessary disclosure of beneficiary information or internal trust terms. If the trust contains limitations on trustee powers, those limitations should be accurately reflected. Tailoring the language to match institutional preferences can improve acceptance, so trustees should consult with counsel or contact the receiving institution to confirm any particular phrasing requirements before presenting the certification.
Notarization of a Certification of Trust is not universally required but is commonly requested by banks, title companies, and escrow agents to verify the trustee’s signature and identity. Having the certification notarized reduces the likelihood that an institution will question its authenticity or request further proof. In some cases, institutions may also request witness signatures or additional attestation language, so confirming requirements ahead of time is wise. Even when notarization is not strictly necessary, completing formal execution steps can streamline acceptance and minimize disputes. Trustees should be prepared to provide valid identification alongside the notarized certification and to retain supporting trust documents if an institution requests a full copy. Proper execution practices promote smoother transactions and institutional cooperation.
A Certification of Trust can often be used in real estate transactions involving trust property if the title company and escrow agent accept it as proof of the trustee’s authority to convey or encumber property. Many title professionals accept a concise certification that confirms the trustee’s power to sell or transfer property without requiring the full trust instrument. Acceptance depends on each title company’s policies and the transaction’s complexity, so trustees should confirm requirements in advance to avoid delays at closing. If a title company requests a full trust copy or additional affidavits, trustees should be prepared to provide those materials or to discuss alternatives with counsel. Clear communication with the title company and early delivery of a properly drafted and executed certification increases the chance of a smooth closing while protecting the trust’s privacy into the extent possible under the circumstances.
If an institution refuses to accept a Certification of Trust, the trustee should ask for a clear explanation of what additional documentation is needed. Often a bank or title company can specify whether they require a full trust copy, notarization, or particular language in the certification. Understanding the institution’s precise concerns allows the trustee to provide tailored documentation and prevent unnecessary disclosure of confidential trust terms. When refusals persist, it may be necessary to provide a full trust copy or to obtain a court order confirming trustee authority in more contentious circumstances. Consulting with counsel can help determine the most appropriate next steps, including negotiating with the institution, preparing supplementary affidavits, or pursuing formal proceedings to establish authority if disputes cannot be resolved through documentation alone.
A Certification of Trust should be updated any time the trust’s relevant facts change, such as when trustees are replaced, the trust is restated or amended, or the revocation status changes. Regular reviews ensure the certification accurately reflects current trustee identities and powers, which prevents misunderstandings when institutions request documentation. Maintaining a current certification reduces administrative friction and avoids rejections based on outdated information. Even absent changes, periodic reviews of trust records help verify that the certification language remains appropriate for the institutions with which trustees commonly work. Trustees should retain copies of past certifications and document where each was used so successor trustees can trace past actions and understand the trust’s administrative history if needed.
Yes. One of the primary benefits of a Certification of Trust is that it protects beneficiary privacy by avoiding disclosure of the trust’s detailed provisions and beneficiary designations. The certification provides only the essential facts about the trust and its trustees so third parties can verify authority without accessing sensitive family or financial information. This limited disclosure is often sufficient for routine transactions while preserving confidentiality. However, privacy protection is not absolute if an institution insists on seeing the full trust copy for certain transactions or regulatory compliance reasons. Trustees should be prepared to provide additional documentation when legitimately required, but a well-drafted certification serves as an effective tool to minimize unnecessary dissemination of trust details to outside parties.
In contested situations where trustee authority is disputed or beneficiaries challenge trust administration, a Certification of Trust by itself may not resolve underlying conflicts. Disputes often require more detailed review, mediation, or court proceedings to establish authority and clarify rights. In such circumstances, relying solely on a certification may be insufficient to address contentious issues or secure compliance from resistant parties. When disputes arise, trustees should consider seeking legal guidance to determine whether additional documentation, formal petitions, or court orders are needed. A comprehensive approach that includes mediation or litigation when necessary helps create an enforceable resolution so that trust administration can continue under clear, court-supported authority if required.
To prepare for presenting a Certification of Trust to a title company, gather the trust instrument, any amendments, deeds, and documentation showing current trustee appointments. Confirm the title company’s preferred certification language and whether notarization or additional affidavits are required. Providing a clear certification that states the trustee’s authority to convey property and confirming that the trust holds title to the real estate will help streamline closing and reduce last-minute requests for the full trust copy. Maintaining open communication with the title company early in the process allows trustees to address any special concerns and ensures all parties know what documentation will be provided. If the title company requests further proof, having supporting documents organized and readily available will help complete the transaction without undue delay.
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