Trust Certificates

When someone dies and their assets—like bank accounts and real estate—are owned by a trust, the trustee will usually need two types of trust certificates to handle everything smoothly and legally.

• Financial Accounts:
  A standard trust certificate shows banks and investment firms that the trust exists and explains who the trustee is. This allows the trustee to safely and legally access, move, or close accounts for the trust. These certificates protect private details and make managing money straightforward after someone passes.​
• Real Estate Sale:
  To sell a house owned by the trust, the trustee needs a special trust certificate made for real estate. This one is created in the right format so it can legally be filed with the county’s Register of Deeds. This recorded document proves to buyers and title companies that the trustee is allowed to sell the house, and protects everyone involved in the sale.​

Using both certificates lets the trustee handle bank accounts, investments, and real estate the right way, following all rules—and keeping the process private and secure for the family.