Comprehensive Guide to Revocable Living Trusts in Belle Meade
A revocable living trust can be an effective tool for managing assets during life and simplifying the transfer of property at death. For residents of Belle Meade and nearby areas of Davidson County, understanding how a revocable living trust works and whether it fits your goals is an important first step in estate planning. This guide provides clear information about what a revocable living trust can accomplish, common reasons families choose this approach, and practical considerations for creating, funding, and updating a trust to reflect changing needs and life circumstances.
Whether you are starting from scratch or revising existing estate plans, a revocable living trust offers flexibility and control while you are alive and a process for managing property after you pass. Many people value the ability to name a successor trustee, set conditions for distributions, and reduce the likelihood of probate delays for Tennessee estates. This section outlines the basics so you can decide if a trust is a fit for your household, retirees, parents with minor children, blended families, or anyone who prioritizes efficient asset transfer and privacy.
Why a Revocable Living Trust Matters for Belle Meade Families
A revocable living trust matters because it can streamline asset management and reduce the burdens families often face after a loved one dies. For many Belle Meade residents, a living trust supports privacy by avoiding public probate proceedings and can speed access to property for beneficiaries. It also enables a trusted person to manage assets if you become incapacitated. While it does not remove estate tax considerations in most Tennessee cases, its administrative advantages and customizable terms make it a common choice for those seeking orderly transitions and fewer delays for heirs.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach to Trusts
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients across Tennessee, including Belle Meade, with a focus on estate planning and probate matters. The firm helps individuals and families create living trusts tailored to personal circumstances, from simple single-person trusts to trusts that support blended families or multi-state asset portfolios. The approach emphasizes clear communication, practical planning, and attention to how everyday decisions affect long-term transfer of wealth. Clients are guided through options, the impact of funding assets, and how to keep documents current as life situations change.
Understanding Revocable Living Trusts: Key Concepts
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement where the trustmaker transfers assets into a trust during life while retaining the right to modify or revoke the arrangement. The trustmaker typically serves as trustee until incapacity or death, at which point a successor trustee steps in. This structure offers continuity in management of assets, reduces the need for court-supervised probate for those assets held in the trust, and provides a framework for how assets should be distributed or managed for beneficiaries over time, including protections for beneficiaries who are minors or need ongoing oversight.
It’s important to distinguish a living trust from a will. A will directs distribution of probate assets and can name guardians for minor children, whereas a living trust controls only assets formally transferred into it and becomes effective immediately. Funding the trust is essential; bank accounts, real estate, and other assets must be retitled or otherwise designated to the trust to achieve the intended benefits. Understanding these distinctions helps homeowners and families determine whether a living trust supports their estate planning goals and day-to-day asset management needs.
What a Revocable Living Trust Is and How It Functions
A revocable living trust is a written legal document that holds title to certain assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries and is revocable while the trustmaker is alive. The trustmaker commonly maintains control as trustee, with a named successor trustee to manage trust property upon incapacity or death. Because the trust is revocable, terms can be amended to reflect life changes. The trust also includes instructions for distributing assets or managing them for beneficiaries, and it can address taxes, incapacity planning, and other long-term considerations to align with personal goals and family needs.
Key Elements and Steps in Setting Up a Living Trust
Key elements include the trust document itself, naming of trustee and successor trustee, an inventory and transfer of assets into the trust, beneficiary designations, and clear instructions for distributions. The process typically begins with gathering financial information and goals, drafting trust provisions to reflect those goals, executing the trust with required formalities, and then changing titles or beneficiary designations to fund the trust. Ongoing review is necessary to add new property or revise terms when life events such as marriage, divorce, births, or moves occur.
Glossary: Important Terms to Know About Living Trusts
Familiarity with several common terms makes trust planning easier. Terms like grantor, trustee, successor trustee, beneficiary, funding, pour-over will, and incapacity planning frequently appear in documents and discussions. Understanding these definitions helps you make informed decisions about who should serve in trustee roles, how assets should be titled, and what instructions to include for distributions. Reviewing a short glossary before meeting to draft documents can clarify options and ensure your preferences are accurately reflected in the trust language.
Grantor (Trustmaker)
The grantor, also called the trustmaker, is the person who creates the revocable living trust and typically transfers assets into it. The grantor retains the right to amend or revoke the trust during their lifetime, unless they deliberately give that authority away. While the grantor is alive and able, they often act as trustee, handling day-to-day management of trust property. The trust document should clearly identify the grantor, their powers, and any successor arrangements to ensure smooth management if the grantor becomes unable to act.
Successor Trustee
A successor trustee is the person or institution designated to take over management of the trust if the original trustee becomes incapacitated or dies. Selecting a successor trustee involves assessing trust administration skills, availability, and willingness to act. The successor trustee’s role may include paying bills, managing investments, handling tax filings, and distributing assets according to the trust’s terms. Clear successor trustee instructions and contingent designations help avoid conflicts and ensure continuity when a transition in authority occurs.
Funding the Trust
Funding the trust means transferring ownership or changing beneficiary designations so that assets are legally held by the trust rather than the individual. Common steps include retitling real estate into the trust’s name, changing account registrations for bank and brokerage accounts, and assigning ownership of personal property where possible. Failure to fund the trust can limit its effectiveness; assets left solely in the individual’s name may still be subject to probate. A thorough inventory and coordinated retitling process are key parts of making a living trust operational.
Pour-Over Will
A pour-over will complements a living trust by directing any assets not transferred into the trust during the grantor’s lifetime to be transferred, or “poured over,” into the trust upon death. This ensures that any inadvertently omitted property nonetheless ends up governed by the trust terms. While a pour-over will does not avoid probate for those assets, it provides a safety net so that all assets ultimately align with the trust’s distribution plan. It is a common feature of comprehensive estate plans that include a revocable living trust.
Comparing Trusts, Wills, and Other Estate Planning Options
When deciding among a revocable living trust, a will, and other planning tools, consider how each handles incapacity, privacy, probate avoidance, and administrative ease. Wills control probate-distributed assets and name guardians for minor children, but probate is public and can be time-consuming. Revocable living trusts can reduce probate for assets properly funded to the trust and provide immediate management if incapacity occurs. Other tools, like beneficiary designations and powers of attorney, work alongside trusts and wills to form a complete plan tailored to individual circumstances and family objectives.
When a Simple Will or Limited Plan May Be Enough:
Small Estates with Straightforward Transfers
A limited approach such as a simple will is often sufficient for individuals whose assets are modest, concentrated in accounts with beneficiary designations, and who have straightforward distribution wishes. If there are no complex family dynamics, out-of-state real estate, or concerns about incapacity management, a will and basic powers of attorney may meet core needs with lower upfront complexity. It remains important to review beneficiary designations and update documents over time so the limited plan continues to reflect current intentions and account registrations align with those choices.
Clear Beneficiary Designations and Few Real Estate Holdings
When most assets pass by beneficiary designation, such as retirement accounts and life insurance, and real estate holdings are minimal or jointly owned, a limited estate plan may serve most practical purposes. In these situations, the administrative burden of establishing and funding a trust may outweigh potential probate-avoidance benefits. However, even simple estates benefit from a careful review to ensure that designations, joint ownership arrangements, and healthcare and financial powers of attorney align with current wishes and provide reliable instructions in case of incapacity or unexpected events.
When a Comprehensive Trust-Based Plan Makes Sense:
Complex Family Situations and Multi-State Property
A comprehensive trust-based plan is often appropriate for families with blended households, minor beneficiaries, special needs relatives, or property in multiple states. Trusts can be tailored to provide staged distributions, asset protection for certain beneficiaries, and coordinated management across jurisdictions. When real estate, business interests, or significant investment portfolios are involved, a well-drafted trust and supporting documents reduce the likelihood of administrative disputes and help ensure that transitions occur according to the grantor’s specific intentions rather than default probate rules.
Desire for Privacy and Minimizing Probate Delay
Individuals who prefer to keep the details of asset distribution private and wish to minimize probate-related delays often choose a revocable living trust. Trust administration can occur outside of the public probate process, allowing beneficiaries faster access to trust-held assets. For families concerned about publicity, creditor claims timing, or the administrative costs of probate, a trust-based plan offers a more discreet path. While it does not eliminate all legal steps, it provides a private roadmap for transferring assets and addressing incapacitation without court supervision.
Benefits of Choosing a Comprehensive Living Trust Approach
A comprehensive living trust plan offers several practical benefits beyond basic distribution instructions. It provides orderly management of assets during incapacity, clarity about who will handle finances and property, and guidance for long-term care decisions. Trusts can include contingency provisions to address unforeseen circumstances and reduce the potential for family conflict. For people with particular concerns about continuity, privacy, and efficient transfer of property, a trust-based plan creates a centralized, actionable structure that aligns estate administration with individual priorities and family dynamics.
Comprehensive plans also encourage a disciplined inventory of assets and beneficiary designations, which reduces the chance of overlooked property that could create delays during administration. By combining a living trust with powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and beneficiary review, families create a complete framework for decision-making during incapacity and after death. This holistic approach makes practical administration easier for the people left to manage affairs, while ensuring that important financial and healthcare preferences are documented and can be followed reliably.
Continuity and Incapacity Planning
One major benefit is continuity: a living trust names a successor trustee who can step in promptly to manage assets without waiting for court-appointed authority. This is particularly valuable if the trustmaker becomes incapacitated and immediate action is needed to pay bills, manage investments, or care for dependents. Clear instructions for incapacity reduce confusion among family members and help maintain financial stability. A comprehensive plan coordinates these designations with powers of attorney and healthcare directives to ensure decision-making authority is assigned and effective when needed.
Privacy and Streamlined Administration
Privacy is another practical advantage: assets held in a living trust generally avoid the public probate process, so details of distributions and property values remain private. This can limit exposure to public scrutiny and reduce the potential for disputes spurred by incomplete information. Streamlined administration means beneficiaries often receive access to trust assets more quickly, with fewer court appearances and less administrative overhead. Families who value discretion and efficient transfer of property frequently prefer this structure as part of a broader estate plan.
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Practical Tips for Planning a Revocable Living Trust
Start with a Full Asset Inventory
Begin the trust planning process by compiling a complete inventory of assets, titles, account numbers, beneficiaries, and deeds. A thorough inventory identifies what should be placed into the trust and what can remain outside, such as accounts with beneficiary designations. Knowing the full scope of your assets reduces the chance of leaving property unfunded and subject to probate. This step also helps clarify which assets may need retitling or beneficiary updates, and it serves as a practical checklist for future reviews and updates as your financial picture changes.
Name Reliable Successor Trustees
Review and Update Regularly
A living trust is a flexible document that should be reviewed periodically and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or moves. Update beneficiary designations and retitle newly acquired assets into the trust as appropriate. Regular reviews prevent unintended outcomes, such as an outdated distribution plan or overlooked property that falls outside the trust. Establish a routine review cadence, and keep a centralized file of trust documents and related records to make administration smoother for successor trustees and family members.
Reasons to Consider a Revocable Living Trust in Belle Meade
Residents of Belle Meade may consider a revocable living trust to reduce probate delays, protect family privacy, and provide clear instructions for managing assets in the event of incapacity. Trusts are particularly useful for homeowners who prefer to avoid public probate proceedings and for individuals with beneficiaries who may benefit from staged distributions. Additionally, a trust-centered plan can integrate with powers of attorney and healthcare directives to create a cohesive document set that addresses both financial and medical decision-making needs across changing life stages.
Other reasons to consider a living trust include the desire to centralize asset management, ensure continuity of financial oversight, and reduce administrative burdens on family members after death. Those with property in multiple states, high-value assets, or family situations that call for specific distribution terms often find a trust provides the flexibility and structure they need. Even for families with moderate assets, the organizational benefits and clarity of a trust can remove uncertainty and make estate administration less stressful for heirs and appointed fiduciaries.
Common Situations Where a Living Trust Is Often Recommended
Typical circumstances that prompt individuals to create a living trust include owning real estate, wanting to avoid probate, having beneficiaries who need managed distributions, and anticipating incapacity due to health concerns or age. People with blended families or who wish to protect assets for minor children frequently use trust provisions to set specific terms for distributions. Business owners, property owners with out-of-state real estate, and those seeking greater privacy also commonly choose a trust-based approach to reduce administrative complexities for survivors.
Owning Real Estate or Multiple Properties
When real estate ownership is central to an estate, a living trust can facilitate smoother transitions without full probate for properties placed into the trust. This is especially useful when properties are located in different jurisdictions or when rental properties require ongoing management. A properly funded trust allows a successor trustee to step in and continue operations, pay expenses, and arrange for sale or transfer according to the trustmaker’s instructions, reducing the risk of vacancies, unpaid taxes, or other delays that can arise during probate.
Planning for Incapacity and Ongoing Care
Families concerned about how financial affairs will be managed if the grantor becomes incapacitated often use a living trust as part of an incapacity plan. A successor trustee can immediately access trust assets to pay for care, maintain the household, and handle financial obligations without waiting for court intervention. Combining a trust with a durable power of attorney and healthcare directives creates a coordinated approach that assigns responsibilities and provides instructions for both financial and medical decision-making, which can ease stress during difficult transitions.
Protecting Minor or Vulnerable Beneficiaries
Grantors who want to protect minor children or beneficiaries with special needs often include specific distribution schedules and oversight provisions in a trust. Trust language can set age-based distributions, require periodic accountings, or appoint a trust protector or co-trustee to provide additional oversight. These provisions help ensure that assets are used responsibly, that funds last over time, and that designated caretakers or financial managers administer resources in a way that aligns with the grantor’s intentions and the beneficiary’s best interests.
Belle Meade Estate Planning and Probate Services
Jay Johnson Law Firm provides estate planning and probate services to clients in Belle Meade and surrounding communities, focusing on practical solutions for managing assets, incapacity planning, and orderly transfers. The firm helps clients set goals, draft living trusts and supporting documents, fund trusts properly, and coordinate plans with existing beneficiary designations. Whether you are creating a first plan, revising an older document, or addressing probates and trust administration, the firm aims to make the process understandable and manageable for families during planning and in times of transition.
Why Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Trust Planning
Clients work with Jay Johnson Law Firm for clear guidance on the practical steps needed to implement a living trust and related documents. The firm emphasizes a client-centered process that starts with goals and a full inventory of assets, then translates those priorities into documents that reflect personal preferences and family dynamics. Communication about funding steps, successor trustee roles, and coordination with beneficiary designations helps ensure the trust functions as intended and reduces the chance that critical assets remain outside the trust unintentionally.
The firm assists with funding tasks, such as retitling real estate and updating account registrations, as these steps are often the most overlooked yet essential parts of making a trust effective. Clients receive practical checklists and explanations about how to keep documents current, what to bring to a planning meeting, and how to organize records for successor trustees. This hands-on approach helps families transition from planning to execution, making sure the trust is not only drafted but actually implemented in a way that meets stated objectives.
Beyond document preparation, the firm supports clients through life changes by reviewing and revising plans when needed, and advising on how new assets should be handled. This ongoing relationship assists families in maintaining a coherent plan over time, preserving privacy where desired, and helping loved ones navigate administration when the time comes. Clear communication and attention to the administrative steps reduce surprises and make it easier for appointed fiduciaries to carry out the grantor’s wishes efficiently.
Ready to Discuss a Revocable Living Trust in Belle Meade? Call Today
Our Process for Creating and Implementing a Living Trust
The process begins with an initial consultation to review your assets, family situation, and objectives. From there, we recommend a plan that may include a revocable living trust, pour-over will, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Drafting follows client review and revisions until the documents reflect your intentions. We then assist with the practical funding steps such as retitling property and updating account designations. A post-execution review ensures documents are filed appropriately and beneficiaries and trustees understand their roles.
Step One: Information Gathering and Goal Setting
During this stage we gather financial information, lists of assets, current beneficiary designations, and relevant family details. We discuss your intentions for asset distribution, incapacity planning preferences, and any special concerns you may have. This information forms the foundation for the trust’s provisions and helps identify potential complications such as out-of-state real estate or business interests. Clear goal setting at the outset ensures that the resulting documents align with your priorities and reduce the need for major revisions later.
Document Drafting and Review
After gathering information, we prepare draft documents tailored to your objectives and review them with you in detail. This includes the living trust itself, a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives as needed. We walk through each provision so you understand how distributions will work, who will serve in fiduciary roles, and how incapacity protections operate. Revisions are made until you are satisfied that the documents reflect your wishes and provide clear instructions for future administration.
Execution and Signing
Once the documents are finalized, we coordinate the proper execution steps, including signing in the presence of required witnesses or notaries. We explain the importance of keeping originals safe and provide guidance on sharing copies with successor trustees and relevant financial institutions. Proper execution ensures the documents are legally effective and reduces the chance of administrative friction in the future. We also provide written instructions for the next steps needed to implement the plan fully.
Step Two: Funding the Trust
Funding the trust is the critical step of transferring or redesignating assets so they are governed by the trust terms. This may include retitling real estate deeds, changing registrations on bank and brokerage accounts, assigning titles to personal property where appropriate, and confirming that beneficiary designations align with the trust plan. We provide a funding checklist and help coordinate with banks, title companies, and other institutions to ensure the transfer steps are handled correctly, which is essential for the trust to achieve its intended benefits.
Coordination with Financial Institutions
We help you communicate with banks, brokerages, and insurance providers to change registrations or beneficiary designations as needed. Many institutions have specific forms and requirements for retitling accounts, so our guidance reduces mistakes that could leave assets outside the trust. By coordinating these steps and providing sample language or required documentation, we streamline the funding process and help avoid common oversights that can undermine the trust’s effectiveness during administration.
Real Estate Transfers and Deeds
Transferring real estate into the trust typically requires a deed and recordation with the county, and it is important to address mortgage, tax, and insurance considerations during the transfer. We prepare deed forms, coordinate with title companies when necessary, and explain how homeownership changes affect property taxes and financing. Clear planning for real estate holdings prevents unintended consequences and ensures that real property is managed according to the trustmaker’s wishes, avoiding probate for property successfully placed into the trust.
Step Three: Ongoing Maintenance and Review
After the trust is funded and executed, periodic review is essential to keep the plan current. Changes in family composition, financial circumstances, or laws may require updates to trust documents, beneficiary designations, or trustees. Regular maintenance ensures that new assets are properly titled to the trust and that instructions align with your current preferences. We recommend scheduled reviews and can assist with amendments or restatements when significant changes occur, keeping the estate plan ready and reliable for future needs.
Amendments and Restatements
Because a revocable living trust is changeable during the grantor’s life, amendments or complete restatements may be necessary to reflect new priorities or circumstances. Minor adjustments can be made with an amendment document, while substantial changes often call for a restatement of the trust. We guide clients on which approach best preserves continuity and ensures clarity for successor trustees and beneficiaries, taking care to document changes properly so they are legally effective and easily understood by those who administer the trust later.
Post-Death Trust Administration Support
When the trustmaker dies, successor trustees often need help understanding their duties, accessing trust assets, and carrying out distribution instructions. We provide support during trust administration, including preparing necessary accountings, coordinating with financial institutions, and advising on taxes and distributions. Our goal is to make the administration phase less burdensome by offering practical guidance and clear next steps so trustees can focus on carrying out the grantor’s wishes while managing administrative responsibilities efficiently and responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revocable Living Trusts
What is the main difference between a will and a revocable living trust?
A will becomes effective only after death and governs assets that pass through probate, while a revocable living trust takes effect during the grantor’s life and controls assets that have been formally transferred into the trust. Wills are useful for naming guardians for minor children and handling probate assets, but they do not avoid probate for assets still in the decedent’s name. Living trusts, when properly funded, often allow trust assets to be administered without formal probate, providing privacy and potentially faster access for beneficiaries.Both tools serve distinct roles in a full estate plan and are often used together. A pour-over will will catch any assets not transferred to the trust during life, ensuring they are ultimately governed by the trust terms, although probate may be required for such assets. Understanding these differences helps you choose the combination of documents that best meets family needs and administrative preferences.
Do I still need a will if I have a living trust?
Yes. Even with a living trust, a will remains useful to address matters that a trust does not, such as naming guardians for minor children and directing the distribution of any assets not placed in the trust. A pour-over will is commonly used to move any inadvertently omitted assets into the trust upon death, creating an additional safety net that aligns remaining property with the trust’s instructions.Maintaining both a trust and a will provides redundancy and clarity. Regular reviews ensure beneficiary designations and account registrations reflect current intentions so the will and trust operate together smoothly without leaving assets unintentionally outside the estate plan.
How do I fund a revocable living trust?
Funding a revocable living trust involves transferring legal title of assets to the trust’s name. For real estate, this means preparing and recording a deed transferring ownership to the trust. For financial accounts, it often requires changing the account registration to the trust name or designating the trust as the account owner, depending on the institution’s procedures. Life insurance and retirement accounts may rely on beneficiary designations rather than trust ownership, so coordinating with policy and plan administrators is important.Because each institution has unique requirements, funding often requires careful coordination. A funding checklist helps identify which assets require retitling and what documentation to provide so the trust becomes operational and avoids leaving property subject to probate.
Can a revocable living trust be changed after it is created?
Yes. A revocable living trust is designed to be changed during the grantor’s lifetime. Amendments can be used for minor updates such as changing beneficiaries or successor trustees, while a complete restatement may be preferable if major revisions are needed. The power to modify the trust provides flexibility as family circumstances, tax rules, or asset composition evolve.It is important to document changes properly and follow formalities for executing amendments or restatements. Regular reviews and updates ensure the trust continues to reflect current intentions and remains an effective tool for administration and distribution.
Will a living trust save me money in Tennessee?
A living trust may reduce certain costs associated with probate, such as court fees and procedural delays, but it is not a universal guarantee of lower expenses. The upfront cost to create and fund a trust can be higher than a simple will, but families who would otherwise face lengthy probate proceedings may realize savings in time and administration. The actual cost-benefit depends on estate complexity, asset types, and whether the trust is properly funded.For many Belle Meade residents, the value of a trust lies in faster access to trust assets, privacy, and reduced administrative disruption for heirs rather than immediate tax savings. A careful review can help determine whether a trust makes financial sense in your situation.
Who should I name as successor trustee?
Choose a successor trustee based on reliability, organizational skills, and availability to handle administrative duties when needed. Many people select a trusted family member or close friend, but others prefer a professional fiduciary or institutional trustee for impartial administration or complex estates. Consider naming alternates in case your primary choice is unwilling or unable to serve at the relevant time.Before naming someone, discuss the responsibilities with that person and ensure they are willing to take on the role. Clear written instructions and access to necessary documents will make their job easier and reduce family uncertainty during administration.
What happens to my home if it is placed in a living trust?
Placing your home into a living trust typically involves preparing and recording a deed that transfers title to the trust. Ownership remains under your control as trustee while you are alive, and the successor trustee can manage or transfer the property according to the trust terms after your death or if you become incapacitated. This avoids probate for the property if the deed transfer and funding are handled correctly.It’s important to understand any mortgage implications, insurance considerations, and local recording requirements before transferring real estate. Coordinating with title companies and mortgage lenders as needed helps avoid unintended consequences and ensures smooth administration later.
Does a living trust protect assets from creditors?
A revocable living trust generally does not shield assets from creditors while the grantor is alive, since the grantor retains control and can revoke the trust. Creditor protection for revocable trusts is therefore limited in most situations. However, trusts can be structured in ways that address distribution timing and oversight for beneficiaries, which may indirectly affect how assets are used after distribution.For stronger creditor protection strategies, other trust types or planning techniques may be appropriate. Those approaches often involve different trade-offs and require careful planning to comply with legal and tax rules, so it is important to consider long-term goals when evaluating options.
How often should I review or update my trust?
Review your trust every few years and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant changes in assets, or moves to a different state. These events can affect beneficiary designations, trustee choices, and the relevance of specific provisions. Regular reviews ensure that the trust remains aligned with current family circumstances and financial realities.Keeping a centralized record and scheduling routine check-ins help identify when amendments or retitling are required. Proactive maintenance prevents unintended results and reduces the chance that important assets remain outside the trust, which could otherwise complicate administration.
What documents should I keep with my living trust?
Keep the original signed trust document in a secure but accessible location, and provide copies to your successor trustee, attorney, and any financial institutions as needed. Also retain related documents such as deeds, account information, beneficiary designation forms, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives together so administrators can find everything when needed. A centralized file simplifies administration and avoids delays.Provide clear instructions to the successor trustee about where documents are stored and how to access digital records, passwords, and safe-deposit boxes. Updating contact information and location details during reviews ensures trustees can act promptly when the time comes.