Complete Guide to Revocable Living Trusts in Fall Branch
A revocable living trust is a practical estate planning tool many families in Fall Branch choose to manage assets and simplify the transfer of property after death. At Jay Johnson Law Firm, we help individuals and couples understand how a trust can provide privacy, avoid probate delays, and allow for more immediate management of assets in the event of disability or incapacity. This guide explains the main features of revocable living trusts, who may benefit, and how the process works in Tennessee. We focus on clear explanations and straightforward planning so you can make informed decisions for your family and heirs.
Choosing whether to use a revocable living trust involves consideration of family circumstances, types of assets, and goals for succession and incapacity planning. In many situations, a trust offers flexibility: assets can be managed during life, updated as circumstances change, and passed to beneficiaries with fewer delays than probate. This page outlines practical steps to establish and maintain a revocable living trust, discusses common misconceptions, and reviews what to expect when working with a local law firm in Washington County. Our aim is to provide useful, actionable information to help you plan confidently for the future.
Why Revocable Living Trusts Matter for Fall Branch Families
A revocable living trust can matter for many reasons: it can reduce the time and public process associated with probate, offer continuity in asset management if you become incapacitated, and provide a clear roadmap for distribution to beneficiaries. Unlike a will that must pass through probate, property owned by the trust can often transfer directly to named beneficiaries. Trusts are also flexible; they can be amended or revoked during your lifetime to reflect changing needs and relationships. For families in Fall Branch, these benefits can translate into less stress and greater privacy during difficult times.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach to Trust Planning
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients across Tennessee, including Fall Branch and Washington County, providing practical estate planning and probate services. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, individualized plans, and careful documentation so that trusts reflect your goals and family circumstances. We work closely with clients to inventory assets, consider tax and creditor concerns, and draft trust provisions that support legacy and care objectives. Clients benefit from a steady process that balances legal safeguards with straightforward administration, helping families feel prepared and confident about the future.
Understanding Revocable Living Trusts: Key Concepts
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement where a person (the grantor) places assets into a trust managed for the grantor’s benefit during life and for named beneficiaries after death. It is revocable, meaning the grantor can change or terminate it while alive. The trust typically names a successor trustee to manage assets if the grantor becomes unable to do so. While revocable trusts do not provide the same asset protection as some irrevocable vehicles, they offer control and smoother post-death transfer of property. Understanding these basics helps determine whether a trust fits your estate planning goals in Tennessee.
Creating a revocable living trust involves several practical steps: identifying assets to fund the trust, drafting the trust document with clear terms for management and distribution, signing and notarizing documents, and transferring titled assets into the trust’s name. Not every asset necessarily needs to be titled to the trust, but proper funding is essential to achieve the intended benefits. Grantors should also designate successors, provide for incapacity, and coordinate beneficiary designations and wills. Regular review ensures the trust remains aligned with changing family circumstances and financial situations.
What a Revocable Living Trust Is and How It Works
At its core, a revocable living trust is an arrangement that holds property for management during life and distribution after death according to the grantor’s instructions. The grantor typically serves as trustee while alive and designates a successor trustee to take over if they become unable to manage affairs. Because the trust holds title to assets, those assets are often not subject to the full probate process, allowing for a more private and potentially quicker transfer to beneficiaries. The trust document also allows the grantor to establish instructions for incapacity planning, property management, and the timing of distributions.
Key Elements and Processes When Creating a Trust
Key elements of a revocable living trust include naming the grantor and trustee, clearly identifying trust assets, designating successor trustees and beneficiaries, and outlining distribution terms. The process typically begins with a review of your assets, family dynamics, and planning goals. Drafting the trust document requires careful language to avoid ambiguity and to coordinate with beneficiary designations and wills. Properly funding the trust by retitling assets, updating account registrations, and documenting transfers is essential. Periodic review and updates ensure the trust reflects life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, and new financial circumstances.
Key Terms to Know About Revocable Living Trusts
Understanding common terms helps you navigate trust planning. Definitions clarify roles like grantor, trustee, and beneficiary, and concepts like funding, incapacity planning, and trustee duties. Knowing these terms makes it easier to follow the drafting and administration process and to ask the right questions when organizing assets. Below is a concise glossary of frequently used terms to help you feel more comfortable with the legal language and practical steps involved in establishing and maintaining a revocable living trust in Tennessee.
Grantor (or Settlor)
The grantor, sometimes called the settlor, is the person who creates the trust and transfers assets into it. The grantor retains control over the trust while alive and has the ability to amend or revoke the trust if desired. The grantor typically names a trustee to manage trust assets and specifies beneficiaries to receive trust property after death. Understanding the grantor’s role is important because this person’s intent and decisions shape the trust’s terms and how the trust will function during life and after passing away.
Successor Trustee
A successor trustee is the individual or entity appointed to take over management of the trust if the original trustee is unable or unwilling to serve, including in the event of incapacity or death. The successor has a duty to manage trust assets according to the trust terms and in the best interests of beneficiaries. Selecting a successor who can handle administrative responsibilities, comply with legal requirements, and act impartially is an important decision when forming a revocable living trust.
Funding the Trust
Funding a trust refers to the process of transferring ownership of assets into the trust’s name so the trust can manage and distribute those assets according to its terms. This may include retitling real estate, changing account registrations for bank or brokerage accounts, and assigning ownership of personal property. Proper funding is essential for the trust to function as intended; assets left outside the trust may still require probate or separate steps to transfer to beneficiaries.
Pour-Over Will
A pour-over will works alongside a revocable living trust to capture any assets that were not funded into the trust during the grantor’s lifetime. It directs that those assets be transferred into the trust upon death, allowing distribution according to the trust’s terms. The pour-over will still goes through probate, but it provides a safety net to ensure assets ultimately flow into the trust rather than becoming subject to intestate succession rules.
Comparing Revocable Living Trusts and Alternative Estate Planning Tools
When considering estate planning options, it helps to compare revocable living trusts with wills and other tools. A will provides a straightforward method for directing assets after death, but it typically requires probate administration. A revocable living trust can reduce the need for probate for assets properly funded into it and offers continuity for asset management in the event of incapacity. Other options, such as beneficiary designations and joint ownership, can also transfer assets directly. Each method has benefits and trade-offs depending on family structure, asset types, and planning goals in Tennessee.
When a Simple Will or Limited Plan May Be Enough:
Smaller Estates and Straightforward Transfers
For individuals with smaller estates, minimal real estate holdings, and uncomplicated beneficiary situations, a simple will combined with beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and pay-on-death designations for bank accounts may be sufficient. These arrangements can provide direct transfers and clear instructions for asset distribution without the need to fund a trust. However, even with simpler plans, it is important to review documents periodically to ensure they still reflect your intentions and to confirm that beneficiary designations align with your overall estate goals in Tennessee.
Desire for Minimal Administration During Life
Some people prefer to avoid the additional steps associated with funding and managing a trust while they are alive. If your priority is minimal paperwork and you are comfortable with the probate process for post-death administration, a will and straightforward account designations may meet your needs. This approach can work for those who value simplicity and have no immediate concerns about incapacity management or the publicity of probate. Regular reviews help ensure these documents continue to reflect your wishes as life circumstances change.
When a More Comprehensive Trust-Based Plan Is Advisable:
Avoiding Probate and Ensuring Continuity
A comprehensive plan that includes a revocable living trust may be advisable for those who wish to minimize the time and public procedures associated with probate, ensure uninterrupted management of assets if incapacity occurs, and leave clear, tailored instructions for distribution. Families with real estate in multiple names, blended family situations, or beneficiaries who need staged distributions often benefit from the greater control a trust provides. This approach can also address administrative continuity by naming a trusted successor to manage assets without court oversight.
Addressing Complex Family or Financial Situations
When family dynamics are complex—such as second marriages, minor or vulnerable beneficiaries, or business interests—a revocable living trust can provide custom provisions for care, management, and distribution that a basic will may not accommodate. A trust allows specific instructions about timing of distributions, oversight for fiduciary duties, and arrangements for managing ongoing business or property interests. These tailored provisions can help ensure your intentions are carried out in a manner that meets the needs of all involved parties.
Benefits of Choosing a Trust-Centered Estate Plan
A trust-centered plan can provide privacy, potential time savings for beneficiaries, and continuity of asset management during incapacity. Because trust assets are generally administered outside probate when properly funded, families often experience less public exposure and a smoother transition of assets. The trust document can also include detailed instructions for distribution, conditions for beneficiaries, and mechanisms for handling taxes and creditor matters to the extent allowed under state law. This can reduce confusion and help beneficiaries access assets when needed.
Another notable benefit is the flexibility to adjust the plan over time. Since revocable living trusts can be amended or revoked while the grantor is alive, they accommodate life events such as marriage, divorce, births, and changes in financial circumstances. A trust also enables the appointment of a successor trustee to step in promptly if the grantor becomes incapacitated, avoiding court-appointed guardianship or conservatorship. Regular review and coordinated beneficiary designations help maintain effectiveness and alignment with overall goals.
Privacy and Quicker Transfer of Assets
One of the most valued advantages of a revocable living trust is maintaining privacy for your family’s affairs. Because properly funded trust assets can pass outside the public probate process, the details of distribution and asset holdings remain private. This can ease family tensions and reduce the time beneficiaries wait to access assets. For families with real estate or multiple accounts, the streamlined transfer process can reduce administrative delays and provide greater certainty that your instructions will be followed according to your timeline.
Continuity of Management During Incapacity
A revocable living trust allows for the seamless continuation of asset management if the grantor becomes unable to handle financial matters. By naming a successor trustee and setting out clear powers and duties, the trust helps avoid the need for court intervention to appoint a guardian or conservator. This can be especially important for maintaining payment of bills, handling investments, and protecting the value of property. The clarity provided by trust documents reduces uncertainty and helps family members focus on care rather than administration.
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Practical Tips for Managing a Revocable Living Trust
Inventory and Fund Trust Assets Promptly
One of the most common issues with trusts is failure to fund them properly. To obtain the intended benefits, identify account numbers, deed information, and titles for property and promptly retitle or re-register assets in the trust’s name where appropriate. Keep clear records of transfers and account statements and coordinate beneficiary designations for retirement and life insurance policies. Maintaining a current inventory helps ensure assets are managed consistently with your trust document and reduces the likelihood that property will unexpectedly require probate.
Choose Successors Who Can Manage Practical Duties
Review and Update Documents Regularly
Life changes such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and new property acquisitions can affect whether your trust reflects your current wishes. Schedule periodic reviews of your trust and related documents to update beneficiaries, successor trustees, and asset lists. Coordinate these reviews with updates to beneficiary designations and property titles. Regular maintenance helps prevent unintended outcomes and ensures that your trust continues to accomplish your objectives for asset management and distribution over time.
Reasons to Consider a Revocable Living Trust in Fall Branch
Many families consider a revocable living trust to gain greater control over how assets are managed and distributed, to provide for a smooth transition in the event of incapacity, and to reduce the public involvement of probate. Trusts can be particularly helpful for households with real estate, out-of-state properties, or beneficiaries who may need staged distributions. They are also valued by those who want to maintain privacy about the details of their estate. Thoughtful trust planning can align your financial arrangements with family goals and long-term care considerations.
A trust can also be an effective way to coordinate care for minor children or adult beneficiaries with specific needs by setting clear management and distribution rules. For people with ongoing business interests or complex assets, a trust provides a framework for continuity and oversight. Even for modest estates, a trust may be appealing if avoiding probate and ensuring quick access to funds for caretakers is a priority. Discussing these objectives early helps identify whether a revocable living trust is the right fit for your circumstances in Tennessee.
Common Situations Where a Trust May Be Appropriate
Typical circumstances that lead people to consider a revocable living trust include owning real estate in more than one state, having blended family dynamics, seeking to avoid probate, planning for potential incapacity, or wanting detailed control over when and how beneficiaries receive assets. Business owners and those with significant retirement accounts also evaluate how a trust coordinates with beneficiary designations and tax considerations. Reviewing your situation with a knowledgeable law firm can clarify whether a trust will address your specific needs and how best to structure it.
Out-of-State Property or Multiple Real Estate Holdings
Owning property in multiple states can complicate probate and estate administration. A revocable living trust may simplify the transfer process by allowing property held in the trust to pass according to trust terms without separate ancillary probate proceedings. Properly titling each piece of real estate into the trust and coordinating with local recording requirements is essential. This approach can reduce administrative burdens on survivors and help ensure that property management and distribution follow your wishes more directly.
Blended Families and Complex Beneficiary Needs
When family relationships include stepchildren or multiple marriages, a trust can provide tailored provisions to balance support for a surviving spouse with inheritance for children from prior relationships. Trust terms can set timing of distributions, create separate shares for different branches of the family, and establish protections against accidental disinheritance. These solutions help reduce potential conflicts by documenting clear intentions for asset distribution and management after the grantor’s death.
Planning for Incapacity and Long-Term Care
Concerns about incapacity often motivate people to create a trust so that a successor trustee can manage finances and care for beneficiaries without court-appointed guardianship. Trusts can include instructions for paying bills, managing investments, and handling property during periods of disability. This planning gives families a predetermined path to follow and helps avoid delays and additional court involvement, providing a smoother transition during an already challenging time for caregivers and loved ones.
Local Trust and Estate Services in Fall Branch, TN
Jay Johnson Law Firm provides dedicated estate planning services to residents of Fall Branch and the surrounding Washington County communities. Our attorneys guide clients through the trust creation process, from assessing goals and inventorying assets to drafting documents and funding the trust. We focus on practical plans that address incapacity, privacy, and the timely transfer of property. If you are considering a revocable living trust, we can explain how it would function in your situation, what steps are required, and how to keep your plan current as circumstances change.
Why Work with Jay Johnson Law Firm for Trust Planning
Selecting legal assistance for trust planning ensures documents are drafted clearly, assets are properly funded, and successor arrangements are workable in practice. Jay Johnson Law Firm offers personalized attention to understand your family dynamics, financial holdings, and long-term goals. We emphasize transparent communication and careful drafting to reduce ambiguity and administrative burdens for those who will carry out your instructions. Our team assists with coordination across title transfers, beneficiary updates, and supporting documents like pour-over wills and powers of attorney.
We also provide guidance on practical administration matters, such as how trustees should manage trust assets and how beneficiaries receive distributions. By addressing these operational details in the trust document and supporting paperwork, the likelihood of confusion and disputes is reduced. Clients benefit from clear checklists and next steps tailored to Tennessee law and local procedures, helping ensure your plan can be implemented efficiently when needed.
Throughout the planning process, our focus is on creating sustainable solutions that align with your family’s priorities, whether that means simplifying transitions, providing financial protection for dependents, or preserving privacy. We also assist with periodic reviews to keep documents current with life changes and to incorporate new assets or shifting goals. Our goal is to help clients feel confident that their planning reflects their wishes and is structured for smooth administration.
Get Started with a Trust Planning Consultation in Fall Branch
How We Prepare and Implement Your Revocable Living Trust
The process begins with an initial consultation to review your assets, family situation, and objectives. We then draft a trust document tailored to your instructions, draft supporting documents such as pour-over wills and powers of attorney, and prepare transfer documents for funding the trust. After signing and notarization, we provide a checklist to assist with funding and record-keeping. Finally, we offer periodic reviews and guidance so your trust remains effective as your circumstances evolve and new assets are acquired.
Step One: Initial Review and Asset Inventory
The first step is a detailed review of your current estate planning documents, financial accounts, real property, and family considerations. During this stage we identify which assets should be included in the trust, note beneficiary designations that need coordination, and discuss succession choices for trustees. Gathering accurate information up front helps streamline drafting and funding. This phase also identifies potential issues that should be addressed in the trust, such as creditor risks, special needs of beneficiaries, or business succession concerns.
Discuss Goals and Family Circumstances
During the initial meeting we explore your goals for asset distribution, incapacity planning, and legacy considerations. We ask about family dynamics, intended beneficiaries, and any concerns about potential disputes or special needs. This conversation helps shape the trust provisions and determine appropriate trustee powers, distribution timing, and any conditions you wish to include. A clear understanding of these priorities is essential to draft a trust that aligns with your intentions and provides practical guidance for successors.
Inventory and Title Review
We compile a list of accounts, real estate, business interests, and personal property to determine what should be funded into the trust. Reviewing current titles and beneficiary designations helps identify any additional steps required to transfer ownership into the trust. Accurate inventory and title review prevent gaps that could lead to probate or unintended asset distribution. We document the required transfer steps and provide instructions so funding proceeds smoothly after the trust document is signed.
Step Two: Drafting Documents and Funding Plan
Once goals and assets are identified we draft the trust document with clear trustee powers, distribution instructions, and incapacity provisions. Supporting documents such as a pour-over will and durable powers of attorney are prepared to ensure comprehensive coverage. We then develop a funding plan outlining how each asset will be transferred into the trust, including deed preparation for real estate and account change forms for financial institutions. A careful funding plan is essential to achieve the benefits of the trust.
Drafting the Trust and Supporting Documents
Trust drafting includes setting out trustee responsibilities, distribution schedules, and provisions for successor trustees and beneficiaries. Durable powers of attorney and healthcare directives are prepared to coordinate incapacity planning. The pour-over will captures any assets not transferred during the grantor’s life. Together, these documents create a cohesive estate plan designed to minimize administrative burdens and provide clear instructions for managing property and care decisions if circumstances change.
Preparing a Funding Checklist
We provide a step-by-step funding checklist that specifies how to retitle real estate, update account registrations, and transfer ownership of personal property into the trust. The checklist includes contact points for banks, instructions for recording deeds, and guidance for beneficiary designations. Following the checklist carefully helps ensure that assets intended to be governed by the trust are properly aligned with the document, preventing unintended probate or distribution issues after death.
Step Three: Execution, Funding, and Ongoing Review
After documents are signed, notarized, and executed in accordance with Tennessee law, the funding process should be completed promptly. We assist with deed preparation and provide templates and instructions for transferring accounts. Once the trust is funded, periodic reviews help update beneficiaries, trustees, and asset lists as life changes occur. Regular maintenance ensures that the trust continues to operate as intended and that new assets or altered family circumstances are incorporated into the plan.
Execution and Notarization
Executing a trust correctly requires signing and notarization according to state requirements. Certain documents may require witnesses in addition to a notary. We guide clients through the signing process and confirm that all paperwork is completed and stored appropriately. Proper execution reinforces the legal effectiveness of the trust and supports straightforward administration in the future. Clients receive copies of all final documents and practical instructions for safekeeping and distribution to successors.
Ongoing Monitoring and Updates
A trust is not a one-time event. As assets are acquired, family dynamics shift, and laws change, periodic review is important to maintain alignment between your trust and your goals. We recommend scheduled check-ins to update beneficiary designations, trustee selections, and asset lists. Proactive monitoring helps prevent gaps that could undermine the plan’s effectiveness and ensures your instructions remain current and enforceable under Tennessee law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revocable Living Trusts
What is a revocable living trust and how does it differ from a will?
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement where the grantor places assets into a trust that they control during life and which directs distribution to beneficiaries after death. The grantor typically serves as trustee initially and names a successor trustee to manage the trust in the event of incapacity or death. Unlike a will, which requires probate to distribute assets, properly funded trust assets often pass outside probate and can be distributed according to the trust’s terms without the full court process, offering greater privacy and potentially faster access for beneficiaries.While both wills and trusts are tools for directing property at death, a will controls only assets that remain in the decedent’s individual name and usually must be processed through probate. A trust, when funded, holds property in its name and provides a mechanism for management during incapacity and distribution after death. Many people use both documents together, with a pour-over will as a backup to capture any assets not transferred into the trust during life.
Do I still need a will if I have a trust?
Yes, having a trust does not usually eliminate the need for a will. A pour-over will is commonly used alongside a revocable living trust to direct any assets that were not transferred into the trust during the grantor’s lifetime to be transferred into the trust upon death. The pour-over will still goes through probate to transfer those assets, but it serves as a safety net to ensure the trust’s distribution plan applies to any missed property.Maintaining both documents ensures broader coverage of your estate plan. The trust handles assets that are properly funded into it and provides management tools for incapacity, while the will addresses any residual assets and certain appointments, such as guardians for minor children. Coordinating both documents and reviewing beneficiary designations helps avoid unintended outcomes.
How do I fund a revocable living trust?
Funding a revocable living trust means transferring ownership of intended assets into the trust’s name. For real estate, this involves preparing and recording a new deed naming the trust as owner. For bank or brokerage accounts, it typically requires completing account change forms or transferring assets into trust-owned accounts. Personal property may be transferred through assignment documents. Proper funding is essential because assets left in the grantor’s individual name may still be subject to probate and not pass directly under the trust terms.A funding plan and checklist help ensure all necessary steps are taken, and legal guidance can assist with title changes and institutional requirements. It is important to review account agreements and seek assistance where institutions have specific procedures for trust-owned accounts.
Can I change or revoke my trust after it is created?
Yes, a revocable living trust can typically be changed or revoked by the grantor while they have capacity. The grantor may amend trust provisions, add or remove assets, update beneficiary designations, or revoke the trust entirely if circumstances or wishes change. This flexibility allows the trust to adapt to life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or financial changes.It is important to document amendments properly and follow legal formalities to avoid disputes. When making significant changes, review related documents and account registrations to ensure all components of your estate plan remain coordinated and effective under Tennessee law.
Will a revocable living trust protect my assets from creditors or lawsuits?
A revocable living trust generally offers limited protection from creditors because the grantor retains control over trust assets while alive. Creditors may still reach trust assets in many situations while the grantor is living. For people seeking creditor protection, other planning tools may be necessary, but those involve different legal structures and trade-offs. The primary benefits of a revocable trust are management flexibility, incapacity planning, and avoiding probate when assets are properly funded.If creditor protection is an objective, it is important to discuss the full range of planning options and potential consequences. An attorney can outline alternatives and how each approach affects control, tax considerations, and family objectives.
How does a successor trustee take over if I become incapacitated?
When a successor trustee is named in the trust document, that person assumes responsibility to manage trust assets upon the grantor’s incapacity or death. The trust should include clear instructions for determining incapacity and for transferring management duties to the successor trustee. The successor typically provides documentation to financial institutions and follows the trust terms to pay bills, manage investments, and care for beneficiaries as directed.Designating a successor who understands the duties and keeping the trust document accessible to family members helps ensure a smooth transition. Clear powers and procedures in the trust reduce uncertainty and the need for court supervision in most cases.
Are revocable living trusts subject to Tennessee state taxes?
Revocable living trusts generally do not change your income tax obligations while you are alive because the grantor remains in control of trust assets. For estate tax purposes, the trust typically remains part of the grantor’s estate at death for federal and state estate tax calculations where applicable. Tennessee does not impose a separate state estate tax currently, but federal estate tax rules and thresholds should be reviewed in the context of your overall financial plan.Tax issues can be complex depending on the size and composition of the estate, so coordinating trust planning with tax advisors can ensure that distribution mechanisms and asset titling are aligned with tax objectives and reporting requirements.
What happens to real estate placed in a trust when the grantor dies?
When real estate is properly titled in the name of a revocable living trust, ownership passes according to the trust’s terms upon the grantor’s death, often without the need for full probate. The successor trustee typically handles the transfer to beneficiaries by following the trust provisions and recording any required deeds. Ensuring the property deed is correctly drafted and recorded in the trust’s name during the grantor’s life is an important step to enable this process.If property was not retitled into the trust, it may need to pass through probate or be transferred through other mechanisms like beneficiary deeds where available. Reviewing deeds and completing any necessary transfers helps prevent unintended probate for real estate.
How often should I review or update my trust documents?
It is advisable to review trust documents periodically, such as every few years or after significant life events like marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or major changes in financial holdings. These reviews ensure beneficiary designations, trustee selections, and funding remain consistent with your current wishes. Laws and institutional practices can change, so periodic checks help maintain the plan’s effectiveness and reduce the chance of unintended outcomes.During reviews, update account registrations and deeds as needed, confirm successor trustee availability, and adjust distribution terms for changed family needs. Regular maintenance keeps your plan aligned with your goals and provides peace of mind that arrangements remain current.
How do I begin the process of creating a revocable living trust?
To begin creating a revocable living trust, start by gathering information about your assets, account statements, deed records, beneficiary designations, and any existing estate planning documents. Schedule a consultation with a law firm experienced in trust planning to discuss objectives, family circumstances, and practical considerations for asset funding and distribution. A qualified legal team can outline the process and develop a plan tailored to your needs.During the initial planning stage, you will decide on trustee choices, distribution timing, and any conditions to include in the trust. The attorney will draft the trust and supporting documents, guide you through signing and notarization, and provide a funding checklist to finalize the process.