What is a certification of trust?

A certification of trust is a shorter document that states key facts about a trust without giving every private distribution term. A bank or other institution may accept it when confirming the trustee's authority.

General information

• The institution may still request more details when allowed by law.
• The certification must match the current trust.
• It does not transfer an asset by itself.

Service steps to consider

1. Provide the current signed certification when requested.
2. Risk: using an outdated certification after an amendment.
3. Asking the institution what more documents it requires.

Quick check

• Is the asset in the trust's name?
• Did the bank or county record the change?
• Did I save proof?

How Complete Wills can help

Complete Wills' trust-based package includes a revocable living trust, schedule of assets, certification of trust, pour-over will, power of attorney, health-care directive, and HIPAA authorization. The service can prepare documents from customer answers. But the customer remains responsible for signing and for properly funding the trust. Customer support can explain website features and questionnaire fields, but it cannot choose documents, people, distributions, or legal terms, interpret a completed document, or explain how the law applies to a person's facts. Only a separately engaged licensed attorney may provide legal advice within the attorney's engagement.

Important limits

• A trust controls only property legally connected to it. A schedule alone may not change title.
• Get legal, tax, or financial advice before transferring retirement accounts, business interests, mortgaged property, foreign property, or assets with transfer restrictions. This article gives general information only. A licensed attorney can explain how state law applies to a specific estate plan or document.