Common Trust & Estate Documents: Purpose & Content

Note: The specific documents included in a full living trust delivery can vary depending on local laws, the complexity of the trust, and the wishes of the settlor (the person creating the trust). However, the following are generally common:

• Purpose: The legal document that establishes the trust and outlines its terms and conditions.
• Content: Includes the name of the settlor, beneficiaries, trustee, trust property, and the powers and duties of the trustee.

• Purpose: A will that directs any assets not included in the trust to be transferred to the trust upon the settlor's death.
• Content: Typically includes a simple declaration that all assets not already in the trust are to be poured over into it.

• Purpose: Documents that transfer assets into the trust.
• Content: May include deeds, stock certificates, bank account transfer forms, or other instruments of transfer.

• Purpose: A document that declares the settlor's intent to create a trust and appoints the trustee.
• Content: Typically includes the name of the settlor, trustee, and trust beneficiaries.

• Purpose: A document that indicates the trustee's acceptance of the trust and their agreement to carry out its terms.
• Content: Typically includes a statement of acceptance and agreement.

• Purpose: A document that acknowledges the beneficiary's receipt of a copy of the trust document.
• Content: Typically includes the beneficiary's name and signature.

• Purpose: A document that appoints a successor trustee to take over the trust if the original trustee becomes incapacitated or dies.
• Content: Typically includes the name of the successor trustee and their contact information.

• Purpose: Deeds that transfer real property into the trust.
• Content: Typically include a legal description of the property and a statement transferring ownership to the trust.

Additional Documents: Depending on the circumstances, other documents may be included, such as:

• Trust Amendments: Modifications or changes made to the trust document after its creation.
• Trust Distributions: Records of distributions made to beneficiaries.
• Trustee's Accounts: Financial records of the trust's income and expenses.

Note: The specific documents included in an estate signing ceremony can vary depending on local laws, the complexity of the estate, and the wishes of the decedent. However, the following are generally common:

• Purpose: The legal document that outlines the decedent's wishes for the distribution of their assets after their death.
• Content: Includes the decedent's name, beneficiaries, executors, and instructions for the distribution of their property.

• Purpose: A legal document that grants another person the authority to act on the decedent's behalf.
• Content: Typically includes the name of the agent, the scope of their authority, and the effective date.

• Purpose: A legal document that grants another person the authority to make healthcare decisions on the decedent's behalf.
• Content: Typically includes the name of the agent, the scope of their authority, and the effective date.

• Purpose: A document that confirms the death of the decedent.
• Content: Typically includes the decedent's name, date of death, and the cause of death.

• Purpose: A court order that appoints the executor(s) of the estate.
• Content: Typically includes the name of the decedent, the name of the executor(s), and the scope of their authority.

• Purpose: A document that lists the decedent's assets and their estimated value.
• Content: Typically includes a description of each asset, its location, and its estimated value.

• Purpose: A document that summarizes the executor's financial activities on behalf of the estate.
• Content: Typically includes a list of all income and expenses, as well as a final balance sheet.

• Purpose: A document that outlines how the decedent's assets will be distributed to the beneficiaries.
• Content: Typically includes the name of each beneficiary and the amount they will receive.

• Purpose: Documents that confirm the receipt of assets by the beneficiaries.
• Content: Typically include the name of the beneficiary, the date of receipt, and a description of the asset.

Additional Documents: Depending on the circumstances, other documents may be included, such as:

• Deeds and titles: Documents that transfer ownership of real property.
• Stock certificates: Documents that represent ownership of stocks or shares in a corporation.
• Bank accounts and investment accounts: Documents that provide information about the decedent's financial assets.
• Life insurance policies: Documents that provide death benefits to beneficiaries.

**NOTE** These document terms and explanations are provided as educational purposes and are not intended to be a means of providing any legal advice or guidance. **