Comprehensive Guide to Pour-Over Wills and Estate Planning in East Ridge
A pour-over will is an important component of many estate plans in East Ridge and across Tennessee. This type of will is designed to transfer any assets left outside of a trust into that trust at death, ensuring that assets are distributed according to the trust terms. At Jay Johnson Law Firm we help individuals and families understand how a pour-over will fits into a broader estate strategy and take steps to reduce confusion and delay for heirs. If you have a revocable living trust, a pour-over will acts as a safety net to capture assets that were not formally retitled into the trust before death.
Many clients choose a pour-over will because it provides a straightforward way to make sure assets are funneled to their trust if they were inadvertently left out during life. While it does not eliminate the need for probate in every case, a pour-over will simplifies the transfer to the trust administration process. Our approach focuses on clear documents, careful coordination between wills and trusts, and practical advice about beneficiary designations and title changes. In East Ridge, residents rely on consistent legal guidance to make sure their plans reflect current family circumstances and Tennessee statutory requirements.
Why a Pour-Over Will Matters and the Benefits It Provides
A pour-over will offers a safety mechanism that helps prevent unintended outcomes when assets are not transferred into a trust during life. It ensures that property, bank accounts, or other items left outside the trust will be directed into the trust and managed according to the trust’s instructions. This reduces the chance that assets will pass under intestacy rules or a separate, conflicting will. Additionally, a pour-over will allows the trust to serve as the central document controlling distributions, which can simplify administration and support consistent management of assets for beneficiaries after the client’s passing.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Estate Planning Practice
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients in East Ridge, Hamilton County, and throughout Tennessee with focused estate planning and probate services. Our team works with families to draft wills, trusts, and pour-over documents that reflect personal priorities and Tennessee law. We emphasize practical planning, clear communication, and attention to detail so documents work as intended when needed. Clients value straightforward explanations about how different instruments interact and guidance on steps to avoid common pitfalls, such as failing to update beneficiary forms or retitle assets into a trust.
Understanding Pour-Over Wills and How They Function
A pour-over will operates as a backstop to move assets not formally placed in a trust into that trust after death. It does not directly transfer property at the moment of signing but instructs the probate process to direct assets to the trust for distribution under trust terms. In practice, a pour-over will works best alongside an actively maintained revocable trust and proper beneficiary designations. The primary purpose is to preserve the intent of the overall estate plan by consolidating assets under the trust’s administration and to minimize confusion for those responsible for settling the estate.
Clients often ask whether a pour-over will avoids probate entirely. The answer depends on how assets are titled and whether any property remains in the decedent’s name at death. When assets remain outside the trust, the pour-over will typically requires probate to move those assets into the trust, after which trust administration proceeds. For many families the pour-over will serves as a prudent safety net while they also take steps during life to retitle property and update account beneficiaries to reduce the assets that must pass through probate.
Definition: What a Pour-Over Will Is and What It Does
A pour-over will is a testamentary document that directs remaining probate assets to an existing trust at death. It is commonly used in conjunction with a revocable living trust to ensure any property overlooked during life is eventually governed by the trust’s provisions. The pour-over will identifies the trust as the beneficiary of the decedent’s probate estate and provides a mechanism for transferring ownership into trust administration. While it serves as an important fail-safe, it is most effective when combined with proactive steps to consistently title assets in the trust and maintain beneficiary designations.
Key Elements and the Typical Process for Pour-Over Wills
Key elements of a pour-over will include a clear statement naming the trust as the ultimate recipient of probate assets, an appointment of a personal representative or executor, and instructions for carrying out the transfer into the trust. The typical process begins with gathering documents, confirming trust terms, and drafting the pour-over will to match the trust language. At death, assets left outside the trust are probated and then transferred into the trust for distribution. Regular reviews help ensure the pour-over will remains consistent with the trust and current family circumstances.
Key Terms and Glossary for Pour-Over Will Planning
Understanding common estate planning terms can make it easier to follow discussions about pour-over wills and trusts. This glossary highlights frequently used words and concepts so clients can review planning documents with confidence. Definitions focus on how instruments work together, the roles of fiduciaries like trustees and personal representatives, and the procedural steps for probate and trust administration. Familiarity with these terms helps families make informed choices about whether a pour-over will should be part of their plan and how to keep documents coordinated over time.
Pour-Over Will
A pour-over will is a will that directs any probate estate property to be distributed to an existing trust. Its principal function is to ensure that assets inadvertently left outside a trust during life are later transferred into the trust at death. It names a personal representative to handle probate and directs that those probate assets be paid or transferred to the trust, so the trust’s terms govern final distribution. Although it provides this safety net, proactive retitling of assets and proper beneficiary designations reduce reliance on the pour-over will.
Testamentary Trust
A testamentary trust arises under the terms of a will and becomes effective only upon the will-maker’s death. Unlike a living trust created and funded during life, a testamentary trust is established through the probate process when the will is admitted to probate. Pour-over wills differ because they transfer assets into a trust that already exists, rather than creating a trust at death. Understanding the distinction helps clients choose whether to use a living trust combined with a pour-over will, or to rely on testamentary trusts created by the will itself.
Revocable Living Trust
A revocable living trust is a document that holds assets under terms set by the trust maker and typically allows modification or revocation during their lifetime. It can provide continuity of asset management, potential privacy benefits, and simplified administration for assets already titled in the trust. When combined with a pour-over will, any assets not placed into the living trust before death can still be funneled to the trust through probate, preserving the trust’s distribution plan. Regular updates to the trust and title changes are important to minimize probate transfers.
Probate
Probate is the legal process through which a court recognizes a will, appoints a personal representative, and oversees the distribution of assets subject to probate law. Assets owned solely in the decedent’s name typically go through probate unless they have designated beneficiaries, pass by operation of law, or are part of a trust. A pour-over will may require probate to move assets into a trust, after which the trust’s terms guide distribution. Understanding probate timelines and procedures helps families plan to reduce delays and costs when possible.
Comparing Pour-Over Wills with Other Estate Planning Options
When comparing estate planning options, consider how a pour-over will interacts with living trusts, beneficiary designations, and transfer-on-death arrangements. A pour-over will provides a safety net for assets not transferred to a trust, while thoroughly funded trusts and updated beneficiary forms can avoid probate for many assets. Other approaches, like relying solely on a will or using joint ownership and beneficiary designations, may have different tax, privacy, and administration implications. Evaluating these options in light of family goals, asset types, and Tennessee law helps determine the best mix of documents for a particular situation.
When a Limited Approach to Estate Planning May Be Sufficient:
Simple Estates and Clear Beneficiary Designations
A more limited estate plan can be appropriate for individuals whose assets are modest, well-organized, and already pass automatically to intended recipients through beneficiary designations or joint tenancy. In those situations, a simple will plus updated beneficiaries on retirement accounts and insurance policies may accomplish most goals without complex trust structures. Reviewing whether property is deeded correctly and beneficiaries reflect current wishes is a practical first step. For many families, this focused approach reduces complexity while still addressing basic distribution and guardianship concerns.
Low Risk of Probate Complications
A limited approach can also be sufficient when the likelihood of significant probate issues is low, such as when most assets have designated beneficiaries and real estate is jointly owned with rights of survivorship. In such cases, a pour-over will may be unnecessary if a trust would receive little or no additional property at death. However, clients should still consider the benefits of a safety-net document to catch any overlooked assets. Periodic review ensures heirs will not face surprises or unintended distributions when a loved one passes away.
When a Comprehensive Estate Plan Is Advisable:
Complex Asset Structures and Multiple Properties
When an estate includes multiple properties, business interests, retirement accounts, and varied investment accounts, a comprehensive estate plan helps coordinate how each asset will be handled. A pour-over will combined with a funded living trust can centralize management and distribution, reduce conflict among heirs, and provide more predictable outcomes. Detailed planning also allows for tailored provisions addressing succession of businesses, continuity of asset management, and tax considerations. Comprehensive planning reduces the likelihood that assets will be misallocated or subject to disputes after death.
Family Dynamics and Special Needs Considerations
Families with blended households, dependents with special needs, or complicated beneficiary situations often benefit from a full estate planning review. A comprehensive approach enables tailored provisions such as discretionary trust distributions, successor trustee designations, and clear instructions for managing assets on behalf of vulnerable beneficiaries. Pour-over wills work with trusts to help preserve intended protections and management structures. Thoughtful planning anticipates family changes and reduces uncertainty for those named to carry out the plan when the time comes.
Benefits of Taking a Comprehensive Estate Planning Approach
A comprehensive plan helps coordinate wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations so they operate together rather than creating conflicts or gaps. This coordination can preserve privacy, streamline administration, and reduce the time and expense associated with settling an estate. For those with trusts, a pour-over will ensures that any missed assets will ultimately be managed under the trust terms. The combined approach supports clear decision-making by fiduciaries and reduces uncertainty for heirs during an already difficult time.
Beyond coordination, a comprehensive plan allows for tailored provisions to address taxes, care of dependents, and legacy intentions. It gives clients a chance to name fiduciaries, set distribution schedules, and include contingency plans in the event of incapacity or unexpected life events. Regular reviews of the complete plan make sure documents reflect current relationships, assets, and legal changes in Tennessee. Taking a complete view of estate planning improves the odds that the plan will be carried out as intended when it becomes necessary.
Greater Asset Protection and Administrative Clarity
A comprehensive plan reduces the risk that assets will be overlooked, mismanaged, or distributed in ways that do not reflect the owner’s wishes. When wills and trusts are aligned, fiduciaries have clearer instructions and fewer disputes may arise among heirs. Centralizing decision-making through the trust for assets properly titled can also speed up transitions and provide a single reference point for distributions. These efficiencies can save time and cost during administration and offer peace of mind that the plan addresses both expected and unexpected situations.
Clear Direction for Fiduciaries and Family Members
Clear, coordinated documents guide trustees, personal representatives, and family members about responsibilities and distribution priorities. This clarity reduces confusion and the potential for disagreements about intent or process. A pour-over will supplements a living trust by ensuring that any assets outside the trust are directed to the trust rather than dispersed under separate instructions. By spelling out successor fiduciaries and step-by-step processes, the plan promotes smoother administration and helps family members focus on honoring the decedent’s wishes.
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Practical Tips for Managing Pour-Over Wills
Review Your Trust and Will Together Regularly
Regular reviews of both your trust and pour-over will help ensure each document reflects current assets and family relationships. Changes in life such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or new property ownership often require updates to beneficiary designations, deeds, and retirement account information. By reviewing the trust and will together, you can identify assets that still need to be retitled into the trust and make adjustments to avoid unintended probate transfers. These periodic checkups help maintain a cohesive plan suited to evolving circumstances.
Keep Beneficiary Designations Up to Date
Store Documents Securely and Share Access Wisely
Keep originals and copies of your pour-over will, trust, and related financial documents in secure but accessible locations. Let trusted fiduciaries know where documents are stored and how to access them in a timely manner while preserving privacy. Consider safe deposit boxes, secure digital storage, or a lawyer’s file retention with clear instructions for authorized access. Providing organized information to the personal representative or successor trustee can expedite administration and reduce stress for family members handling your affairs.
Why You Might Choose a Pour-Over Will as Part of Your Plan
A pour-over will is often selected to ensure a trust-based plan functions as intended, even when assets remain in the individual’s name at death. It provides a clear pathway for any overlooked property to be funneled into the trust for administration under the trust terms. People with trusts, blended families, or specific distribution objectives frequently include a pour-over will to backstop their planning. This approach helps reduce the risk that an asset unintentionally passes under intestacy rules or under a document that conflicts with the trust.
Another reason to consider a pour-over will is to simplify long-term administration by centralizing control through the trust, even if some probate is required initially. When combined with attentive maintenance of titles and beneficiary forms, a pour-over will helps preserve the trust’s intentions without requiring a single moment of perfection in retitling every asset. For those who value predictability and a consistent distribution strategy, a pour-over will provides reassurance that the trust will ultimately be the governing instrument for assets that were missed during life.
Common Situations Where a Pour-Over Will Adds Value
Common circumstances that make a pour-over will valuable include transitioning into a trust while still owning some assets in your individual name, acquiring new property late in life, or having changing family relationships that require flexible but secure planning. It is also useful for people who manage multiple accounts and may inadvertently leave an asset outside the trust. The pour-over will prevents an inadvertent omission from undermining the overall estate strategy and ensures that assets are consolidated under the trust administration when necessary.
Creating a Revocable Trust but Leaving Some Assets Out
When clients establish a revocable trust, they sometimes do not retitle every asset into the trust immediately. A pour-over will captures those assets at death and directs them into the trust, preserving the client’s intent. This situation is common when people acquire new accounts or property after the initial trust funding or when some asset types are harder to retitle. The pour-over will provides a safety net and reduces the risk that an asset will pass outside the trust due to an oversight.
Asset Changes and New Acquisitions Late in Life
Acquiring new property or unexpectedly receiving an inheritance can leave assets outside existing trust structures. A pour-over will is a practical tool for ensuring those items ultimately transfer into the trust’s administration at death. Because retitling each new asset immediately is not always feasible, the pour-over will preserves the plan’s integrity by directing such assets to the trust. Following such acquisitions, clients should plan for timely updates to title and beneficiary forms to reduce the assets subject to probate.
After Major Life Events or Family Changes
Events such as marriage, divorce, remarriage, births, or deaths often necessitate updates to estate plans. When a trust is in place, a pour-over will can help make sure any assets left outside the trust because of these changes are later funneled into the trust for consistent administration. These adjustments reduce the risk that differing documents result in conflicting instructions. Regular reviews after life events keep both the trust and pour-over will aligned with current wishes and family circumstances.
East Ridge Pour-Over Will Attorney at Jay Johnson Law Firm
We are here to help East Ridge residents navigate pour-over wills, trust coordination, and estate planning questions. Jay Johnson Law Firm assists clients with drafting pour-over wills that work with living trusts, reviewing asset titles, and advising on beneficiary designations to reduce probate exposure. Our team communicates clearly about Tennessee procedures and helps clients make choices that reflect their goals and family needs. If you are establishing or updating a trust, scheduling a review of your pour-over will helps ensure documents remain consistent and ready when they are needed.
Why Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Pour-Over Wills and Trust Coordination
Clients choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for thoughtful estate planning guidance, clear communication, and practical planning steps. We focus on making sure our clients understand how pour-over wills and trusts interact and what actions reduce the likelihood of unexpected probate. Our approach includes careful document drafting, review of asset titling, and assistance with beneficiary updates. This combination helps create a cohesive plan that reflects personal wishes and responds to common challenges in estate administration.
We emphasize responsiveness and attention to detail, helping clients assemble necessary documents and providing plain-language explanations of the probate process and trust administration. Clients appreciate straightforward guidance about how to minimize the assets that must pass through probate and how a pour-over will serves as a backup to their trust. Regular plan reviews and clear instructions for fiduciaries are part of the ongoing service we provide to ensure plans remain current with life changes and legal considerations in Tennessee.
Our team works with individuals and families at every stage of planning, from initial trust formation to periodic updates and probate administration when necessary. We help clients identify assets that should be retitled and assist with practical steps to align accounts and deeds with the trust. For those who already have trusts, we review pour-over wills and advise on ways to reduce probate exposure. The goal is to provide a dependable, compassionate process that protects intentions and supports family members tasked with carrying out the plan.
Ready to Discuss Your Pour-Over Will? Contact Us Today
How We Handle Pour-Over Will Matters at Jay Johnson Law Firm
Our process for pour-over wills begins with listening to your goals and reviewing existing estate documents. We gather relevant information about trusts, deeds, account titles, and beneficiary designations, then draft or update the pour-over will so it aligns with your trust and broader plan. We explain Tennessee requirements for execution and suggest practical steps to reduce probate exposure. Once documents are executed, we recommend a schedule for periodic review to keep your plan current with life changes and changes in assets.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Document Review
During the initial meeting we review your current estate documents, including existing wills, trusts, deeds, and account beneficiary forms. This step helps identify assets that are properly titled in the trust and those that remain in your name. We discuss your goals for distribution, any family considerations, and your preferences for fiduciaries. Gathering this information early allows us to draft a pour-over will that matches the trust’s terms and reduces the potential for conflicting instructions in the future.
Gathering Existing Documents and Asset Information
We guide clients through assembling key documents such as deeds, account statements, trust agreements, and beneficiary forms. Knowing exactly what assets exist and how they are titled helps determine the scope of retitling needed and whether the pour-over will will need broader coordination. We also review life events that may affect the plan. This careful initial inventory makes it easier to draft consistent documents and to advise on practical next steps that minimize assets left outside the trust.
Identifying Client Goals and Fiduciary Preferences
We discuss who should serve as personal representative and successor trustees, what distribution schedules are desired, and any conditions for distributions. Understanding these preferences early ensures the pour-over will and trust reflect the client’s intentions for asset management and beneficiary treatment. We also review special family circumstances, such as minor children or beneficiaries with disabilities, so the plan addresses long-term needs. Clear instructions at this stage prevent later ambiguity during administration.
Step 2: Drafting and Integrating the Pour-Over Will
In drafting the pour-over will we ensure its language aligns with the trust and appoints a personal representative to administer any probate estate. The document is prepared to direct probate assets into the named trust for distribution under trust terms. We coordinate the wording so the pour-over will serves its contingency function without creating conflicts. During this step, we also advise on potential retitling actions and beneficiary updates that can further reduce the assets that must pass through probate.
Drafting Clear, Trust-Compatible Language
The pour-over will must clearly identify the trust by name and date and instruct how probate assets should be transferred into that trust. We draft language that avoids ambiguity and ensures consistency with the trust provisions. Precise drafting helps the personal representative carry out transfers efficiently and minimizes the risk of contested interpretations. We also make sure that appointment provisions for fiduciaries are explicit so those named have authority to act when probate begins.
Coordinating With the Trust Document and Beneficiary Forms
Drafting the pour-over will includes reconciling its provisions with the trust, beneficiary designations, and titling of assets. We advise on updating beneficiary forms and retitling accounts when practical to reduce reliance on the pour-over will. Coordination helps avoid conflicts where a beneficiary designation might override the trust’s terms and ensures that the pour-over will operates as a reliable safety net. Clear documentation and direction reduce the administrative burden on fiduciaries after death.
Step 3: Execution, Storage, and Periodic Review
After drafting comes proper execution with the required signatures and witnessing under Tennessee law. We review best practices for safe storage of the original will and trust documents and provide guidance for notifying fiduciaries where appropriate. Periodic reviews every few years, or after major life events, help keep the pour-over will and trust aligned with current wishes and asset ownership. Ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure the pour-over will functions as intended when it is needed.
Proper Execution and Witnessing Requirements
Executing a pour-over will correctly under Tennessee rules is essential for its validity during probate. We explain who must sign, whether witnesses are required, and how to properly acknowledge the document. Ensuring correct execution reduces the likelihood of disputes over the will’s validity. We also advise on keepings such as original document storage and how fiduciaries can access the will after death. Proper execution practices strengthen the document’s role as a reliable backstop to your trust.
Ongoing Reviews and Updating Documents
Once a pour-over will and trust are in place, periodic reviews ensure documents reflect current assets, family relationships, and legal developments. We recommend reviews after major life events and at regular intervals to verify titles and beneficiary forms are still aligned with the trust. These updates reduce the need to rely on the pour-over will and limit probate exposure. Keeping the plan current supports smoother administration and helps avoid unintended consequences for heirs and fiduciaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pour-Over Wills
What is a pour-over will and when is it used?
A pour-over will is a testamentary document that directs any assets remaining in your probate estate into an existing trust at death. It acts as a safety net for property that was not retitled into the trust during life and helps ensure the trust’s distribution terms ultimately govern those assets. The pour-over will names a personal representative to administer probate and carry out the transfer into the trust according to the trust provisions.While a pour-over will does not itself transfer title during life, it simplifies estate administration by funneling overlooked assets into the trust. Using one alongside a funded revocable living trust provides a coordinated plan so most assets pass through the trust while the pour-over will captures what is left outside.
How does a pour-over will work with a revocable trust?
A pour-over will and a revocable living trust work together by ensuring that assets outside the trust at death are transferred into the trust’s administration. The trust contains the primary distribution instructions, and the pour-over will functions as a contingency to move any remaining probate assets into that trust. This coordination preserves the trust’s distribution plan and centralizes asset management for beneficiaries.For maximum effectiveness, clients should also take steps during life to retitle assets and update beneficiary designations so fewer assets need to be moved through probate. Regular reviews keep the trust and pour-over will aligned and reduce administrative burdens later.
Do pour-over wills avoid probate?
A pour-over will does not necessarily avoid probate for assets that are not otherwise transferable at death. When property remains in the decedent’s name, probate is usually required to transfer those assets into the trust under the pour-over will’s instructions. Once probated and transferred, the trust governs distribution, but probate may still be part of the process.To minimize probate, many clients fund their trusts during life and update beneficiary designations and titles. A pour-over will is a helpful backup, but proactive retitling and beneficiary management reduce reliance on probate transfers.
Who should be named as executor to carry out a pour-over will?
The personal representative named in a pour-over will should be someone you trust to handle probate tasks competently and fairly. Common choices include a trusted family member, a close friend, or a professional fiduciary, and it is important to name a successor representative in case your first choice cannot serve. The named person will be responsible for identifying probate assets, paying debts and taxes, and arranging transfer into the trust per the pour-over will.Selecting a personal representative who is organized and willing to follow legal procedures helps ensure a smoother probate process. Clear instructions and accessible documents make it easier for the appointed representative to administer the estate efficiently.
Can I change my pour-over will after it's signed?
Yes, you can change a pour-over will while you are alive by executing a new will or by formally revoking and replacing the existing document, provided you have the legal capacity to do so. Because the pour-over will is tied to your overall estate plan, any significant changes to your trust or life circumstances should prompt a review of the will to ensure consistency. Making updates avoids conflicts or inconsistencies between documents.It is also wise to keep beneficiaries and fiduciaries informed about revisions and to maintain copies of current documents in secure, accessible locations. Periodic reviews after major life events help keep the plan current and aligned with your wishes.
How does a pour-over will interact with beneficiary designations?
Beneficiary designations on accounts like retirement plans and life insurance typically control distribution for those particular assets, and these designations can override will provisions. A pour-over will moves assets from probate to the trust, but it does not change beneficiary forms. To ensure assets end up in the trust as intended, you may need to name the trust directly as the beneficiary or retitle accounts during life.Careful coordination among beneficiary designations, account titling, and the trust reduces the chance that assets will bypass the trust. During a planning review, we check these designations to confirm they align with the overall estate strategy.
What documents should I bring to an initial meeting about a pour-over will?
Bring any existing wills, trust agreements, deeds, account statements, retirement and life insurance beneficiary forms, and recent financial statements to your initial meeting. Documentation about property ownership, titles, and investments helps identify what is already trust-owned and what may be left outside. Providing a list of assets and brief notes on family considerations or contested relationships can also help focus the discussion.The more complete the document set, the faster we can identify gaps and recommend whether a pour-over will, retitling, or beneficiary updates are appropriate. If you do not have all paperwork available, start with what you have and plan to collect remaining documents as part of the process.
How much does it cost to prepare a pour-over will?
Costs for preparing a pour-over will vary depending on whether it is part of a larger estate planning package that includes a trust, powers of attorney, and other documents. When combined with trust drafting and coordination tasks, the overall cost reflects the time required to review assets, draft consistent documents, and advise on retitling and beneficiary updates. We provide transparent fee information based on the scope of services needed for each client’s circumstances.During an initial consultation we discuss the likely steps and associated fees so you can make an informed decision. The value of coordinated planning is often measured in the reduced time, conflict, and expense for families during administration.
How often should I review my pour-over will and trust?
It is prudent to review your pour-over will and trust after major life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant changes in assets. Even without major events, periodic reviews every few years help ensure documents remain aligned with current wishes and legal developments. Regular checkups also provide an opportunity to retitle assets and update beneficiary forms to reduce probate exposure.Keeping a proactive review schedule helps avoid unintended consequences and assures that fiduciaries have current directions. Small updates can prevent larger problems later and keep the estate plan functioning as intended.
What happens if assets are left out of the trust when I die?
If assets are left out of a trust when you die, a pour-over will can direct those probate assets into the trust for distribution according to the trust’s terms, but probate may be required to transfer title. The pour-over will acts as a secondary mechanism to capture those assets and preserve the overall plan. After probate transfers assets to the trust, the trust administration continues under its established terms.To minimize this situation, clients should retitle property into the trust when possible and review beneficiary forms. Proactive maintenance reduces the amount of property subject to probate and lessens the need to rely on pour-over transfers.