Complete Guide to Pour-Over Wills in Oak Hill, Tennessee
A pour-over will is an estate planning document often used together with a living trust to ensure any assets not transferred to the trust during lifetime are moved into it after death. In Oak Hill and Davidson County, residents choose pour-over wills to create a clear backstop so property, accounts, and personal belongings are distributed according to the trust terms. This opening overview explains what a pour-over will accomplishes, how it interacts with a trust, and why many people include it as part of a broader estate plan administered by a local law practice.
This guide focuses on how pour-over wills function under Tennessee law and what local families should consider when planning. It covers the relationship between wills and trusts, the probate process, and practical steps to minimize delays or disputes after a death. For Oak Hill residents, the goal is to provide accessible, practical information so individuals can decide whether a pour-over will fits their needs and how to coordinate it with other documents like powers of attorney and healthcare directives to form a cohesive and effective estate plan.
Why a Pour-Over Will Matters for Your Estate Plan
A pour-over will provides an essential safety net when assets remain outside of a trust at the time of death. Its benefit lies in making sure those assets are gathered and transferred into the existing trust, allowing the trust terms to dictate final distributions. For families in Oak Hill, this can reduce confusion, preserve privacy for trust terms, and align asset transfers with long-term planning goals. While it does not avoid probate entirely for those assets, it simplifies the process by consolidating distributions under the trust and supports orderly administration after a loved one passes.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach to Pour-Over Wills
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients in Oak Hill and throughout Davidson County with estate planning and probate services tailored to local needs. Our practice focuses on clear communication, careful document drafting, and practical solutions that reflect Tennessee law. When preparing pour-over wills, we coordinate trust and will provisions so assets transfer smoothly and according to a client’s wishes. Clients can expect personalized attention, straightforward explanations of legal options, and assistance with related matters such as beneficiary designations, transfer of real property, and probate filings when necessary.
Understanding Pour-Over Wills and How They Work
A pour-over will is designed to direct any assets not already placed into a trust to the trust at the time of the testator’s death. This document functions as a catchall that helps ensure an individual’s overall estate plan operates as intended. In practice, if certain accounts, real property, or personal items were not retitled or transferred into the trust prior to death, the pour-over will provides the mechanism to move those assets into the trust through probate. It is frequently paired with a revocable living trust to create a cohesive plan for asset management and distribution.
Although a pour-over will moves assets to a trust, the assets named in the will still may need to go through probate to satisfy Tennessee legal procedures. The advantage is that once assets are moved into the trust, the trust’s terms control how those assets are managed and distributed to beneficiaries. This arrangement reduces the risk of inconsistent distributions and supports continuity of instructions. Individuals should review titles, beneficiary forms, and account ownership during life to minimize probate and streamline post-death administration in line with the trust’s provisions.
Defining a Pour-Over Will and Its Role in a Trust-Based Plan
A pour-over will is a testamentary document that specifies any assets not already part of a living trust should be transferred into that trust upon the testator’s death. This approach ensures that the trust receives remaining property so the trust instrument governs distribution and management. The pour-over will typically appoints a personal representative to handle probate tasks and to facilitate transfer to the trust. It provides clarity by uniting separate estate planning tools and helps protect beneficiary intentions by funneling disparate assets into one central legal vehicle for administration.
Key Components and the Administration Process for Pour-Over Wills
Critical elements of a pour-over will include a clear statement of intent to transfer assets into a named trust, identification of the trust, and appointment of a personal representative to manage probate matters. The process involves filing the will with the appropriate Tennessee probate court, inventorying and valuing estate assets, paying valid debts and expenses, and then transferring assets into the trust per the will’s instructions. Proper coordination with trust documents, account retitling, and beneficiary designations helps reduce complications and supports efficient administration after death.
Glossary: Key Terms Related to Pour-Over Wills
Understanding common legal terms helps demystify pour-over wills and trust administration. Familiarity with terms such as probate, personal representative, trustee, revocable trust, beneficiary, intestacy, and asset titling empowers individuals to make informed choices. This section defines those words in plain language and explains how they relate to estate planning in Tennessee. Clear definitions make it easier to coordinate estate documents and ensure that a pour-over will and trust work together as intended to protect family property and carry out the decedent’s wishes.
Probate
Probate is the legal process overseen by a Tennessee court to validate a will, appoint a personal representative if needed, and supervise administration of an estate. During probate, assets are identified and collected, debts and taxes are paid, and the remaining property is distributed to beneficiaries according to the will or state law if no valid will exists. For pour-over wills, probate serves to move assets into the trust, after which the trust directs final distribution. Understanding probate timelines and local court requirements helps families plan for smoother transitions.
Trustee
A trustee is the individual or entity responsible for managing trust assets according to the trust document’s terms. In a revocable living trust, the creator often serves as trustee during their lifetime and names a successor trustee to act after incapacity or death. The trustee has duties to inventory trust assets, follow distribution instructions, and act in beneficiaries’ best interests while administering the trust. When a pour-over will transfers property into the trust, the trustee ensures those assets are handled consistently with the trust’s directives.
Personal Representative
A personal representative is the person appointed to manage the decedent’s estate through probate, including filing the will with the court when required, paying debts, and distributing remaining property. The personal representative inventories assets, settles liabilities, and may coordinate with a trustee to transfer assets into a trust if a pour-over will is used. Choosing a reliable personal representative is important because this role requires administrative care and communication with beneficiaries and the court under Tennessee rules.
Revocable Living Trust
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement where an individual transfers ownership of assets into a trust that they can change or revoke during their life. The trust names beneficiaries and a successor trustee to manage distribution after death or incapacity. Pairing a revocable living trust with a pour-over will helps ensure that any assets not transferred to the trust during life will be collected and integrated into the trust upon death, allowing the trust’s terms to govern final disposition and management of those assets.
Comparing Pour-Over Wills to Other Estate Planning Options
When choosing estate planning tools, it helps to compare pour-over wills and trust-based plans to standalone wills and beneficiary designations. Pour-over wills are best used with a living trust to centralize asset management, while a simple will can be sufficient for smaller estates without trusts. Beneficiary designations and transfer-on-death registrations avoid probate for specific accounts. In many situations, a combined approach provides redundancy and clarity, allowing for both targeted nonprobate transfers and a pour-over will to capture remaining assets and align distributions with a trust’s terms.
When a Simple Will or Direct Transfers May Be Enough:
Smaller Estates with Clear Beneficiary Designations
For households with few assets and clear beneficiary designations, a simple will paired with account beneficiary forms may provide adequate direction. If bank accounts, retirement plans, and life insurance policies already have valid beneficiary designations, those assets will transfer outside probate directly to named recipients. In such cases, the administrative burden after death can be relatively light and a pour-over will may be unnecessary. Reviewing titles and beneficiary forms is important to ensure the intended parties receive assets without court intervention.
Minimal Complex Property or No Real Estate
If an individual owns limited personal property and avoids real estate or jointly held property issues, a straightforward will may cover their need for directing distribution. When assets are modest, the probate process can be less time-consuming and more predictable in Tennessee. In such situations, focusing on clear will provisions, durable powers of attorney, and healthcare directives can provide sufficient protection without the additional paperwork of trust creation and administration. A careful review of possessions and account ownership can determine if this approach fits.
Why a Trust Plus Pour-Over Will Often Makes Sense:
Protecting Privacy and Managing Complex Assets
A comprehensive plan that includes a revocable living trust and a pour-over will helps preserve privacy because trust administration can often avoid the public probate docket for certain assets. For households with real estate, business interests, or assets requiring ongoing management, centralized direction in a trust provides continuity and clearer management instructions for a successor trustee. Combining these tools reduces the likelihood of disputes and helps ensure that the decedent’s intentions are carried out in an organized way after death.
Planning for Incapacity and Smooth Transition of Management
Beyond death, a well-structured trust and related documents support planning for incapacity by naming individuals who can manage finances and property without court involvement. This continuity prevents interruptions in bill payments, property management, and decision-making during periods of incapacity. A pour-over will complements this by ensuring any assets not moved into the trust during life are still brought into the trust after death, creating a consistent pathway for asset protection and stewardship that minimizes court steps and eases transitions for family members.
Benefits of Combining a Trust with a Pour-Over Will
Combining a revocable living trust with a pour-over will gives a strong framework for managing assets during life and after death. The trust offers flexible management and distribution terms, while the pour-over will ensures that any forgotten or newly acquired assets become part of the trust’s inventory upon death. This approach reduces the chance of conflicting directions and supports continuity of care for beneficiaries. It also allows for more nuanced instructions for asset use, distribution, and protection, which can be tailored to family circumstances and goals.
A comprehensive plan also helps families prepare for incapacity through durable powers of attorney and healthcare directives that work alongside the trust. By coordinating all estate documents, individuals reduce the risk of unintended consequences from inconsistent beneficiary designations or improper titling. Local legal guidance can assist with confirming that deeds, account registrations, and insurance forms align with trust objectives, minimizing the need for court interventions and promoting smoother administration for loved ones when transitions occur.
Greater Control Over Asset Distribution
A combined trust and pour-over will approach gives property owners greater control over how assets are managed and distributed over time. Through the trust, individuals can set conditions, timing, and management rules for assets after death, which may be particularly useful for beneficiaries who are minors or require financial oversight. Incorporating a pour-over will helps ensure no assets fall outside this regime unintentionally. This coordinated structure supports thoughtful planning that matches personal values and family needs while providing a practical roadmap for those tasked with administration.
Reduced Disruption and Clear Post-Death Administration
By creating a cohesive set of estate planning documents, families often face less disruption after a death because responsibilities and procedures are clearer. A trust administered by a named successor trustee can manage ongoing needs without court supervision in many instances, and a pour-over will ties any remaining assets to that same plan. The net effect is a more organized administration process, fewer surprises for beneficiaries, and a more efficient resolution of estate matters, which can ease the emotional burden during a difficult time.
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Practical Tips for Managing a Pour-Over Will and Trust
Review Titles and Beneficiary Designations Regularly
Regularly checking account titles, deed ownership, and beneficiary designations helps ensure assets intended for a trust are actually included. Over time, life changes such as moves, new accounts, or remarriage can leave some property outside the trust. By reviewing these items periodically and updating forms as needed, you reduce the likelihood that assets will need extra probate steps to be transferred into the trust after death. Schedule a review after major life events to keep your plan aligned with current circumstances.
Keep Trust and Will Documents Together and Accessible
Coordinate with Financial Institutions Ahead of Time
Contacting financial institutions to understand their procedures for transferring assets into trusts can prevent administrative hurdles later. Some banks, brokerages, and title companies require specific forms to recognize a trust account or to re-title property properly. By confirming requirements in advance and completing necessary paperwork, you lower the chance of accounts remaining outside the trust at death. This proactive step reduces the workload for the personal representative and helps ensure the pour-over mechanism operates as intended.
Reasons Oak Hill Residents Consider a Pour-Over Will
Residents choose a pour-over will for several practical reasons: it complements a living trust to consolidate assets, provides a clear pathway for untransferred property, and reduces the risk of conflicting distribution directions. People who acquire assets later in life or who prefer centralized control for after-death management find a pour-over will useful. For those who want their trust terms to govern final distributions but still need a safety net for assets not retitled during life, a pour-over will offers a sensible legal backstop.
Another reason to include a pour-over will is to ensure continuity when life changes occur, such as acquiring new accounts or property. It provides peace of mind that assets will ultimately be aligned with an organized plan. Additionally, pour-over wills help families by identifying a personal representative and spelling out steps for probate that facilitate transfer into the trust. When combined with other documents like powers of attorney and healthcare directives, this arrangement forms a comprehensive approach to planning for both incapacity and death.
Common Situations Where a Pour-Over Will Is Beneficial
A pour-over will is often helpful when a trust is in place but some assets were not moved into it before death, when a person acquires new property close to the end of life, or when there is uncertainty about the proper titling of accounts. It can also be useful for individuals who travel frequently, own multiple residences, or have complex family dynamics. In these circumstances, the pour-over will provides a reliable way to gather remaining assets into the trust and apply the trust’s distribution plan consistently.
Late Acquired Assets
When assets are obtained later in life or shortly before death, they may not get retitled into an existing trust in time. A pour-over will accounts for this possibility by directing such assets into the trust after probate, ensuring they ultimately follow the trust’s instructions. This protects the intent of the overall estate plan and reduces the risk of unintended distributions. Proactive review and quick retitling when acquiring new assets can minimize reliance on pour-over transfers, but the pour-over remains a useful fallback.
Overlooked Personal Property
Personal items, small accounts, or sentimental property can be overlooked during estate planning and therefore remain outside a trust. A pour-over will ensures these belongings are transferred to the trust for distribution according to the trust’s terms, preventing gaps in implementation of the plan. Listing valuable personal property and confirming ownership during life helps reduce this risk, but the pour-over will still acts as a safeguard to collect and allocate overlooked assets following Tennessee probate procedures.
Changing Family Circumstances
Family dynamics and circumstances can change over time through marriage, divorce, birth, or death, which may affect how assets should be handled. A pour-over will gives a clear mechanism to incorporate assets into a trust that reflects updated intentions. When family situations are fluid, coordinating wills and trusts ensures that distributions proceed according to current wishes. Regular reviews and updates to estate documents help ensure the plan remains aligned with family relationships and legal needs.
Local Legal Help for Pour-Over Wills in Oak Hill
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves Oak Hill and surrounding areas with practical guidance for preparing pour-over wills and coordinating trust documents under Tennessee law. Our approach focuses on clear explanations, personalized planning, and helpful administrative support for probate and trust transfers when necessary. Clients receive assistance in choosing appropriate personal representatives and successor trustees, drafting cohesive documents, and ensuring account titles and beneficiary forms support the overall plan. We aim to make the process manageable and transparent for families seeking orderly transitions.
Why Work with Jay Johnson Law Firm for Your Pour-Over Will
Choosing a local law firm offers the benefit of direct knowledge of Tennessee probate procedures and practical handling of Oak Hill estate matters. Jay Johnson Law Firm helps clients draft pour-over wills that align with their trust documents, ensuring that asset transfers follow the intended plan. We provide clear guidance about titling, beneficiary forms, and the probate steps needed to move assets into a trust. Our goal is to reduce uncertainty for families and provide steady support during both planning and administration phases.
Our team focuses on creating documents that reflect client intentions and stand up to practical administration needs in Davidson County. We explain legal terms in plain language, identify potential gaps that could lead to probate complications, and assist with proactive steps such as retitling accounts and updating beneficiary designations. This hands-on approach helps clients avoid common pitfalls and ensures the pour-over will integrates smoothly with a broader estate planning strategy tailored to each family’s circumstances.
Clients value a local resource that communicates clearly and responds to questions about timelines, court requirements, and how estates are managed after death. Jay Johnson Law Firm assists with filing necessary probate documents when required, coordinating with trustees, and helping personal representatives fulfill their duties. By offering practical support and detailed document preparation, the firm aims to ease the burden on families and provide a reliable path for carrying out the decedent’s wishes consistent with Tennessee law.
Contact Jay Johnson Law Firm in Oak Hill to Discuss Your Pour-Over Will
How We Handle Pour-Over Will Preparation and Administration
Our process begins with a detailed intake to understand assets, family relationships, and planning goals. We review existing trust documents, account titles, beneficiary forms, and any prior wills to identify gaps. After discussing options and drafting proposed language, we finalize the pour-over will to coordinate with the trust. If probate becomes necessary, we assist in filing documents, inventorying assets, and guiding the personal representative through court procedures to move assets into the trust for administration according to the trust terms.
Step One: Initial Review and Document Coordination
The first step involves a thorough review of current estate documents and asset ownership to determine how a pour-over will should operate with an existing trust. We identify accounts requiring retitling, beneficiary designations that may conflict, and property that might need special handling. This review helps craft will language that names the correct trust and appoints a personal representative, ensuring documents work together to support a smooth transfer and administration under Tennessee probate rules.
Collecting Asset and Beneficiary Information
Gathering detailed information about bank accounts, retirement plans, investment accounts, real estate deeds, and beneficiary designations is essential. This step clarifies which assets are already in the trust and which remain outside. Accurate documentation helps us draft a pour-over will that specifically references the trust and provides clear instructions for the personal representative. Comprehensive records also speed up any required probate process and minimize ambiguity among heirs and fiduciaries.
Identifying Titling and Transfer Issues
We examine deed records, account registrations, and beneficiary forms to identify transfers or ownership arrangements that may prevent assets from being included in the trust. Addressing these issues during the planning phase—by retitling assets or updating beneficiary designations—reduces the need for later probate steps. When transfers are not completed during life, the pour-over will serves as the mechanism to collect those assets into the trust after death, and we ensure the language is precise to facilitate that transfer.
Step Two: Drafting and Signing Documents
Once the review is complete, we draft the pour-over will and coordinate any updates to the trust or related documents. The will names the trust to receive assets and appoints a personal representative who will handle probate tasks. We explain signing and witness requirements in Tennessee and ensure the document is executed properly. Proper signing and storage reduce the chance of disputes and help the court recognize the will and carry out its instructions to move assets into the trust.
Preparing the Will Language and Appointments
Drafting precise language is essential to ensure that the pour-over will unambiguously directs property into the identified trust. The will should name the trustee and successor trustee, define the assets subject to transfer, and appoint a personal representative to handle probate matters. Clear appointments reduce uncertainty and support an orderly administration. We review the draft with clients to confirm that the will reflects their wishes and aligns with the trust’s terms before finalizing the document for signature.
Execution, Witnesses, and Safe Storage
Tennessee law sets out requirements for executing a valid will, including witness and signature rules. We guide clients through the signing process, arrange for proper witnessing, and discuss secure storage options such as a law firm file or safe deposit alternatives. Providing copies to trusted individuals and noting where the original is stored makes it easier for personal representatives or trustees to locate documents when needed. Proper execution reduces the risk of contested wills and streamlines probate where applicable.
Step Three: Probate and Transfer into the Trust When Necessary
If assets remain outside the trust at death, a personal representative may need to open probate to validate the pour-over will and transfer those assets into the trust. This step involves filing the will with the local probate court, inventorying estate assets, paying allowable debts and expenses, and then directing the court to transfer remaining assets to the trust. We assist clients and fiduciaries with required filings and guidance through the probate timeline to complete the pour-over transfer effectively.
Filing the Will and Inventorying Assets
The personal representative files the pour-over will with the probate court to begin administration. Court procedures require an inventory of estate assets, notices to creditors, and sometimes appraisal of property. Completing these administrative tasks accurately is important to meet Tennessee deadlines and protect the estate from creditor claims. We provide support in preparing inventories, interfacing with appraisers, and submitting required paperwork so the probate process proceeds in an orderly way toward transfer of assets to the trust.
Transferring Assets and Final Distribution
After debts and taxes are resolved, the remaining assets identified through probate are transferred into the trust per the pour-over will’s instructions. The trustee then administers the trust according to its terms, distributing assets to beneficiaries as specified. This final stage completes the integration of any leftover property into the trust structure and aligns estate distribution under a single plan. We assist with both probate closing steps and trust administration matters to ensure the process concludes efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pour-Over Wills
What is a pour-over will and how does it relate to a living trust?
A pour-over will is a testamentary instrument that directs any assets not already transferred to a living trust to be moved into that trust after death. It functions as a safety mechanism to ensure that property omitted from lifetime trust transfers will still be governed by the trust’s terms. The document typically names a personal representative to manage probate tasks and coordinates with the trust instrument so distributions follow the trust’s instructions once assets are transferred.When used together, the living trust provides ongoing management and distribution provisions while the pour-over will collects leftover assets into that trust through the probate process. This pairing offers a streamlined approach to centralize asset disposition and reduces the chance that property will be distributed under inconsistent directions, supporting a more coherent estate plan.
Will a pour-over will avoid probate entirely?
A pour-over will does not by itself avoid probate for assets that remain outside of a trust. Assets covered by the pour-over will typically go through probate so they can be legally transferred to the trust. The probate process validates the will, appoints a personal representative, and provides the formal authority to move property into the trust according to the will’s directions.However, by combining a trust with proactive account retitling and beneficiary updates, many assets can be kept out of probate entirely. The pour-over will then serves as a backup to capture any remaining property, ensuring the trust ultimately controls distribution even when some items were not retitled during lifetime.
Who should be named as a personal representative in a pour-over will?
When selecting a personal representative, choose someone who can manage administrative responsibilities, communicate with beneficiaries, and follow court procedures in Tennessee. Many people name a trusted family member or close friend who is organized and willing to handle tasks such as filing the will with probate court, inventorying assets, and paying debts. Alternatively, a professional fiduciary can act if family members prefer an outside administrator for impartial management.It is important to name alternates in case the primary appointee is unable or unwilling to serve. The chosen representative should understand the time commitment involved and be prepared to coordinate with trustees and legal counsel to move any remaining assets into the trust.
Can a pour-over will be used for real estate in Tennessee?
Yes, a pour-over will can apply to real estate in Tennessee, but real property often requires careful handling to minimize probate complications. If a deed is not retitled into the trust during life, the pour-over will can direct that real estate be transferred to the trust through the probate process. Proper coordination with deed preparation and recording practices helps ensure smooth transfer and avoids delays that may arise from improperly titled property.Because transferring real estate may involve local recording and tax considerations, property owners should review deeds and consider retitling into the trust proactively. Doing so reduces the need for probate steps and supports a more efficient integration of property into the trust upon death.
How often should I review my pour-over will and trust?
Regular review of estate documents is recommended after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, acquisition of property, or changes in financial accounts. Reviewing your pour-over will and trust every few years helps ensure titles and beneficiary designations remain aligned with your current wishes. These reviews also help identify assets that should be retitled into the trust so that probate can be minimized.Updating documents as needed maintains consistency across wills, trusts, and beneficiary forms. A periodic check also helps confirm that appointed fiduciaries remain willing and able to serve, and that all paperwork complies with Tennessee legal standards and the practical needs of your family.
What happens if I acquire new assets after creating my trust?
If you acquire new assets after creating a trust, the best practice is to retitle those assets into the trust or update beneficiary forms where appropriate. Doing so ensures new property becomes subject to the trust and avoids the need for probate to move it into the trust later. Without retitling, new assets could remain outside the trust and be subject to probate, at which point a pour-over will would direct their transfer into the trust.A periodic review helps capture these changes and allows timely updates to account registrations, deeds, and beneficiary designations. This proactive approach reduces administrative burdens for fiduciaries and better aligns your estate plan with your intentions.
Do beneficiary designations override a pour-over will?
Beneficiary designations typically govern specific account transfers and generally take precedence over a will for those accounts. For instance, retirement plans, life insurance, and payable-on-death accounts transfer directly to named beneficiaries and do not pass through probate to be redirected by a pour-over will. It is therefore important to ensure beneficiary designations reflect current wishes and do not unintentionally conflict with trust objectives.Coordinating beneficiary forms with your trust and will is essential to ensure consistent outcomes. Reviewing and updating beneficiary designations as part of regular plan maintenance helps prevent surprises and ensures that assets transfer as intended between direct-designation mechanisms and trust-based distributions.
How long does probate take when using a pour-over will?
The length of probate when using a pour-over will depends on the size and complexity of the estate, creditor issues, and court schedules. Simple estates can be resolved in a relatively short period, while estates with significant assets, disputes, or debts may take longer. The probate timeline includes validating the will, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, and obtaining approvals for distributions, which can vary across counties in Tennessee.Coordinating asset titling and beneficiary forms during life can reduce the assets subject to probate, shortening the process. When assets do require probate to be moved into a trust, careful preparation and timely filings help streamline administration and reduce delays for beneficiaries and fiduciaries.
Can I change or revoke a pour-over will?
A pour-over will can be changed or revoked in the same manner as other wills, subject to Tennessee law and appropriate formalities for signing and witnessing. If circumstances or intentions change, individuals should update their estate plan documents to reflect new wishes, including modifying the trust or creating a new will. Proper execution under state rules is necessary to ensure that amended documents will be recognized by the probate court when needed.Regular reviews and prompt updates after major life changes help keep documents current. Working with a local law practice ensures that any revisions are carried out correctly and that new documents coordinate effectively with existing trusts and beneficiary arrangements.
How can I make sure the pour-over will and trust work smoothly together?
To ensure a pour-over will and trust operate smoothly together, maintain clear records of trust documents, retitle assets when appropriate, and update beneficiary designations consistently. Make sure the will identifies the trust by name and date, and that appointed fiduciaries are aware of where originals are stored. Communication among family members, the trustee, and the personal representative can reduce confusion at the time of administration.Periodic reviews with legal counsel help confirm that deeds, account registrations, and beneficiary forms align with your trust’s goals. Taking these steps improves the likelihood that assets will transfer into the trust as intended and that the trust’s distribution plan will be followed with minimal court intervention.