You may also wish to fund the trust with a checking or saving account, though it is important to carefully consider any implications if these accounts require regular withdrawals or activity. Likewise, physical bond and stock certificates require a change of ownership to be completed with the stock transfer agent or bond issuer. Money market accounts, cash, checking and savings accountsįunding your trust with bank and brokerage accounts generally requires new account paperwork in the name of the trust as well as signed authorization to retitle or transfer the asset.Non-retirement brokerage and mutual fund accounts.Shareholders stock from closely held corporations.Any property with a mortgage, however, would require retitling into the name of the trust, and some lenders may be reluctant to do this.įinancial Accounts: There are several types of financial assets that can be owned by a trust, including: Additionally, they help avoid the hassle of separate probate proceedings for land, commercial properties and homes that are owned out of state or held in different counties. Considering that your home is potentially one of your largest assets, living trusts can be especially beneficial as they can transfer real estate quickly. Real Estate: Many people wonder whether it is a good idea to place their house in a trust. The most notable types are outlined below: Often people fund a living trust with real estate, financial accounts, life insurance, annuity certificates, personal property, business interests and other assets.

For a revocable living trust to take effect, it should be funded by transferring certain assets into the trust. Setting up a trust, however, is only half of the solution. Many people assume that once they sign the trust documents at their attorney’s office, they are ready to roll. To ensure your trust performs as it was intended, timely and proper funding is vital. Though setting up a trust can be costly and complex, it can make the inheritance process easier on your beneficiaries. These other assets will still go through the probate process. While your most important assets may be transferred as part of your trust, there are some assets that will not fund your trust for a variety of reasons. It is important to note that there is no way to completely bypass probate.

Setting up living trust