How we help you Fund Your Trust
Step #4:
The step that ensures your trust actually works.
Creating a trust is only part of the process.
For a trust to work as intended, it must also be properly funded.
In simple terms, the process has two essential phases:
1. Build the trust, and
2. Fund the trust with the appropriate assets
Both steps are equally important.
What "Funding the Trust" means
Funding a trust involves ensuring that assets which would otherwise be subject to probate are properly titled and directed into the trust-according to your wishes.
This step is where your planning becomes practical and effective.
Without proper funding, even a well-drafted trust may not function as intended.
How we support this Step
Because funding is so critical, we begin preparing for it early in the process, not at the end.
During your initial consultation, we:
Walk through a sample trust binder...
to show you how a trust is structured and how it operates.
Review key documents involved...
so you can visualize how your estate may be organized.
Answer questions as they arise...
helping you think through your preferences thoughtfully.
Preparing for the Funding Meeting
To ensure the funding step is handled thoroughly, we provide clear guidance and preparation.
You’ll receive a simple “homework” checklist that helps you gather:
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Financial statements
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Real estate deeds and tax bills
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Other relevant asset information
These materials allow us to prepare for a dedicated funding meeting, where everything is reviewed carefully.
The Funding Meeting
During the funding meeting, we walk through your entire estate together to ensure two things:
Assets that should be in the trust are properly titled.
Everything is directed according to your wishes.
This meeting is designed to bring clarity, confidence, and completion to the process.
Attorney Review & Trust Completion
Once preparation is complete:
- Your information is reviewed by a qualified, independent attorney
- The attorney confirms readiness and completes the legal drafting
- All legal execution-signing, witnessing, notarization, and delivery-is handled by the attorney
All costs and fees are settled transparently at the trust delivery meeting, with Chicagoland Trust staff and the attorney present.
Why this Step Matters
Proper funding is what turns a trust from paperwork into protection.
Our role is to guide, prepare, and support you through this step so nothing is overlooked-and so your trust works the way you intended.
We take this step slowly and carefully, so nothing feels rushed or confusing.
Start with a Conversation
- or a Seminar
