Trust verification checklist
Already have a living trust? Use this checklist to verify your trust is properly funded and your supporting documents are in order.
Trust document checklist
- Trust document signed and notarized
The trust agreement itself, with all signatures.
- Pour-over will executed
Catches assets not titled in the trust at death.
- Durable financial POA executed
- Healthcare POA executed
- Advance directive / living will executed
- HIPAA release executed
- Certification of trust prepared
A summary document for financial institutions — shorter than the full trust.
Funding verification
- Real estate deed(s) transferred to trust
Or confirmed that the deed should remain in individual name.
- Bank accounts titled to trust or have POD designation
- Investment/brokerage accounts titled or have TOD designation
- Retirement account beneficiary designations updated
- Life insurance beneficiary designations updated
- Vehicles reviewed (usually NOT titled to trust)
- Business interest / operating agreement reviewed
Life events — has anything changed?
Check any events that have occurred since your trust was last reviewed.
- Marriage or divorce
- New child or grandchild
- Death of a beneficiary or trustee
- Purchased or sold real estate
- Moved to a different state
- Received a significant inheritance
- Started, sold, or closed a business
Suggested next steps
Confirm all core documents are executed
Will, POAs, advance directive, HIPAA release
Verify real estate is titled correctly
Update beneficiary designations on all financial accounts
Review after any major life event
Request a professional attorney review
Especially for real estate deeds, business interests, or complex family situations