The transfer of an existing checking or savings account, or one that is created in the future, can be accomplished quite easily. Take a copy of your Certificate of Trust to the new accounts department of your bank or savings and loan and request that the accounts be set up in the name of your Living Trust. You will then sign the new signature cards as Trustee. You need not change the face of your checks to indicate trust ownership. If you have an existing checking account and your bank requires you to close your existing account and open a new account, then I would suggest leaving the checking account in your name as it is now and requesting that the account be made payable on death to your Living Trust.
If you have a certificate of deposit with the bank or savings and loan, you take a copy of the Certificate of Trust to the institution and request that the account be re-titled in the name of your Living Trust. There are using no penalties to retitle the name of certificates of deposit.
Even your furniture and household effects may be transferred to your Living Trust. Remember that all assets transferred to your Trust are outside the jurisdiction of the probate court. These items can be placed in your Trust by use of a written assignment. It is recommended that for each asset of substantial value (such as an expensive piece of jewelry or art) a separate assignment by prepared and executed.
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