Trust Funding & Asset Transfer
Creating a trust is step one. Funding it is what makes it work.
Who We Serve
Individuals & Families
Already have a trust, or creating one with Legata? We’ll identify what needs to move, coordinate the paperwork, and walk you through each transfer.
Advisors & Their Clients
Unfunded trusts are one of the most common gaps in a client’s estate plan. Legata works alongside wealth managers, attorneys, and insurance professionals to help your clients complete the funding process, while keeping you informed.
What is Trust Funding, and why does it matter?
Creating a trust is only the first step. For your trust to protect your assets, those assets need to be legally transferred into the trust — a process called retitling. Real estate deeds need to be re-recorded. Bank and investment accounts need to be re-titled. Business interests need to be assigned.
Legata helps you identify which assets should be in your trust, coordinates the required documents, and guides you through the transfer process — so your estate plan actually functions the way it was designed to.
How Trust Funding Works
01
Asset Inventory
We review your assets – real estate, accounts, investments, business interests – and identify what should be retitled into your trust.
02
Document Preparation
Legata facilitates deed preparation and prepares the assignment documents and account change instructions needed to complete each transfer.
03
Execution Support
We guide you through the signing, recording, and notification process for each asset class – step by step.
04
Confirmation
Once transfers are complete, we document the updated trust asset schedule for your records.
Ready to fund your trust?
What We Handle
Real Estate
Deed Transfers
Legata facilitates the preparation and recording of quitclaim or warranty deeds to transfer property into your trust.
Financial Accounts
Account Retitling
Instructions and letters for banks and brokerages to retitle accounts to your trust.
Business Interests
LLC & Partnership Assignments
Assignment documents to transfer membership interests and partnership shares.
Investments
Brokerage and Retirement Guidance
Guidance on which investment accounts should – and shouldn’t – be retitled into a trust.
Trust Funding FAQs
What happens if I don't retitle my assets?
Assets that aren’t retitled into your trust will likely go through probate when you pass — defeating the purpose of having a trust. They’ll also be subject to estate tax exposure and may not pass to your beneficiaries as you intended.
Can I retitle all my assets into a trust?
Most assets can be retitled — real estate, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, business interests, and personal property. Retirement accounts (IRAs, 401Ks) are typically not retitled but can name the trust as beneficiary. We’ll walk you through what’s appropriate for your situation.
Do I need an attorney to retitle assets?
For most asset types, the retitling process doesn’t require an attorney — it requires the right documents, correctly prepared. When appropriate, we may recommend attorney involvement.
How long does the retitling process take?
It depends on the number and type of assets. A straightforward retitling with a few bank accounts and a property typically takes 2-4 weeks from start to finish. More complex estates take longer.
