One of the simplest estate planning mistakes is also one of the most consequential: failing to fund the trust. An unfunded trust is the equivalent of buying moving boxes and then forgetting to pack the house. A revocable living trust controls only what is inside it, and assets left in the client's own name pass through the probate the trust was meant to avoid.
The documents may be excellent. The plan still fails if deeds, account titles and beneficiary designations were never coordinated with it. The fix is a checklist and an annual review: deeds in the trustee's name, accounts titled or payable to the trust, business interests assigned, beneficiary designations current, and a will that pours over into the trust.
The full piece, with the checklist, is at turnipseed.law.
