What Are The Best Ways To Fund Your Trust?

To ensure that your trust offers value to you, as well as your beneficiaries, you must fund it. But, that’s not all you must do: you must also ensure that your trust is funded and that the necessary actions are taken.

What Is A Trust And Why Do You Need To Fund It? 

A trust is, in its simplest form, a legal mechanism through which your assets can, in the event of your death, go to your intended beneficiaries.

Outside of that simple definition, a trust allows you to clarify provisions regarding your assets, to avoid the probate process, to lessen the tax burden your assets may lead to; and so on and so forth.

All of these benefits make it easy to take care of your assets as well as your beneficiaries. But, in order for you to accomplish both of those tasks, you must fund your trust.

The act of funding your trust ensures that your assets go to the people whom you would like to have them. Outside of this notable benefit, though, there are other acts that go into funding a trust, all of which are beneficial.

What Are The Best Ways To Fund A Trust? 

Clarify The Assets You Must Transfer Into Your Trust 

To start off the process, you must clarify the assets that you want to transfer into the trust. And, when you figure out which assets those are, you must transfer them into the trust.

Sometimes, it isn’t easy to figure out which assets should be transferred. Or, for that matter, how to transfer them into your trust. And, when this is the case, speaking with a trust administration lawyer is the best thing to do.

Develop The Appropriate Transfer Documents 

Right after you select the assets you wish to transfer to your trust, you must transfer the title, for each and every one of these assets, to the trust.

To accomplish this task, you can develop a deed or assignment. Other documents may be appropriate, as well, but this is dependent on what you are transferring your goals regarding the assets in question.

Review The Trust On A Frequent Basis 

Your trust is not a static entity. Rather, it can, and should, be updated and funded on a frequent basis. By updating and funding the trust on a frequent basis, you can ensure that your assets will go to the right people and that these assets continue to be funded within the trust.

Outside of that point, if you acquire new assets that you want to put into the trust, or sell assets that were once a part of the trust, you must update the trust.

A failure to update and fund your trust, on a regular basis, can lead to complications with the trust that may be difficult for your beneficiaries to solve.

Speak With A Florida Trust Administration Lawyer 

Your trust is a valuable legal entity that can, and will, protect you and your assets. But, in order for your trust to do these things, it must be funded in the proper manner.

Speak with a Florida trust administration lawyer at the Millhorn Elder Law Planning Group today. We will assist you in developing your trust, funding your trust, and updating your trust.

Sources: 

law.cornell.edu/wex/trust

law.cornell.edu/wex/deed

law.cornell.edu/wex/assignment