When people think about estate planning, creating a revocable living trust often feels like the finish line. But in reality, it’s just the beginning.
One of the most common—and costly—mistakes people make is assuming that once the trust document is signed, their work is done. Unfortunately, skipping the follow-up steps can completely unravel your efforts and land your estate in probate court, the very outcome your trust was meant to avoid.
Let’s break down why these next steps matter and what you can do right now to protect your legacy.
What Is a Revocable Living Trust?
A revocable living trust is a legal document that holds your assets during your lifetime and directs how they will be distributed after your death, all while allowing you to avoid probate, maintain privacy, and plan for incapacity.
But the benefits only work if the trust is properly funded and maintained.
The Most Common Mistake: Not Funding the Trust
Creating a trust is only Step One. Step Two is funding it, this means transferring ownership of your assets into the trust.
What happens if you don’t fund your trust?
- Your assets will still go through probate.
- The trust may be ignored entirely by the court.
- Family members may face confusion, delays, and higher costs.
What Are “Next Steps” After Creating a Trust?
If you’ve already created a trust—or you’re planning to—you must complete these essential tasks:
✅ Transfer Titles
Move assets like your home, rental properties, or land into the trust by updating titles with the appropriate county or agency.
✅ Update Beneficiaries
Certain assets (like life insurance and retirement accounts) require naming the trust as a beneficiary—or updating the designation to work alongside your trust plan.
✅ Notify Financial Institutions
Work with your bank, investment advisors, and other financial institutions to ensure accounts are correctly titled in the name of the trust.
✅ Keep It Current
Life changes, so should your trust. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, new assets, or relocations can all affect your plan. Review your trust annually and after major life events.
How a Forgotten Step Caused Probate
Imagine a parent creates a trust and believes their home will avoid probate. However, they never transferred the deed into the trust. Upon their passing, the home is still in their individual name—requiring the family to go through probate anyway, despite having a trust in place.
This is a common and avoidable outcome we see too often.
How to Avoid Probate and Protect Your Loved Ones
Taking action now can prevent legal headaches later. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney can ensure your trust is:
- Properly funded
- Legally sound
- Tailored to your family’s unique needs
At Sabrina Winters, Attorney at Law, PLLC, we don’t just create your trust, we guide you through every step after, so your plan actually works when your family needs it most.
Your Trust Needs More Than Just a Signature
Failing to take the right steps after your trust is created can undo all your careful planning. Don’t leave your legacy to chance, or to probate court.
Schedule Your Estate Planning Review Today
Protect your family’s future.
✅ Visit sabrinawinterslaw.com
✅ Schedule your appointment online
✅ Let’s ensure your trust is truly doing its job.
Tomorrow isn’t promised. Plan today.