Is Your Trust Still Doing Its Job?
Signing your trust was an important first step. Families grow, assets change and laws are updated. Use this free trust checkup checklist to see which parts of your plan look solid and which ones need attention.
A trust only works if it keeps up with your life
Most trust problems aren't caused by bad documents. They come from small things that change after signing, like a new account, a refinanced home or a beneficiary form nobody updated. These gaps often aren't discovered until your family needs the plan to work.
Life changes
Marriages, divorces, births and deaths can change who should inherit and who should be in charge.
Funding gaps
Assets that were never titled in your trust, or were removed later, may still have to go through probate.
Outdated designations
Retirement accounts and life insurance pass by beneficiary form, not by your trust, so the forms have to match your plan.
Your Trust Checkup Checklist
Answer Yes, No or Not sure for each question. "Not sure" is a perfectly good answer, and it tells you what to ask about. Your progress is saved on this device, so you can come back and finish later.
Answer as many questions as you can, then view your personalized results.
Email me my results
We'll email a copy of your results to you, and our team will follow up to answer any questions. There's no cost and no obligation.
What happens after your checkup
Finding a gap is the hard part. Fixing it is usually simple when you have an attorney who knows estate planning in your state.
Complete the checklist
Answer the questions above and note anything flagged. Print or save your results to bring to your appointment.
Meet with an attorney
We review your trust, your deeds and account titles, and your beneficiary designations with you, in person or virtually.
Update and fund
We prepare any amendments, new deeds or updated documents, and give you clear instructions for retitling accounts.
Prefer to talk it through in person?
Join one of our free Trust Checkup workshops, where an attorney explains how to keep your estate plan and finances aligned. Some workshops are co-presented with local professionals, such as financial advisors, tax professionals, real estate agents and funeral directors. Call us to find out who’s joining an upcoming date.
Trust checkup FAQ
How often should I review my trust?
A good rule of thumb is every three to five years, and any time you have a major life event like a marriage, divorce, birth, death, move or significant change in assets.
What does it mean to "fund" a trust?
Funding means putting your assets into the trust's name, for example by recording a new deed for your home or retitling bank and brokerage accounts. A trust only controls the assets it owns, so an unfunded trust may not avoid probate. Learn more about revocable living trusts.
How can I tell whether my assets are in my trust?
Check how each asset is titled. Your deed, account statements and vehicle titles will show the owner's name. If the owner is you individually rather than you as trustee of your trust, the asset may not be funded. If you're not sure, bring your statements to a review and we'll go through them with you.
Are my checklist answers sent to the firm?
No. Your answers are stored only in your own browser. Nothing is sent to Pearson Bollman Law unless you choose to submit the "Get a free review" form.
Is there a cost to have my plan reviewed?
Your initial consultation is free. If your plan needs updates, we'll explain the scope and cost before any work begins.
I didn't create my trust with Pearson Bollman Law. Can you still review it?
Yes. We regularly review trusts prepared by other firms and online services, and can help you update or fund them.
Make sure your plan works when your family needs it
With six offices across Iowa and Kansas, there's a Pearson Bollman Law attorney near you who can review your trust and keep it current.
This checklist is for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Completing it or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Your answers are stored only in your browser unless you choose to send them. Attorney advertising.