Assets can be transferred to a trust through methods like a deed of grantor(s) to trustee(s), title transfer, assignment of ownership, opening new accounts, naming the trust as a beneficiary, and more. Putting property in a trust can be done through various legal means, providing flexibility to the grantor.
Create the trust document. You can get help from an attorney or use WillMaker & Trust (see below). Sign the document in front of a notary public. Change the title of any trust property that has a title document—such as your house or car—to reflect that you now own the property as trustee of the trust.
To transfer real property into your Trust, a new deed reflecting the name of the Trust must be executed, notarized and recorded with the County Recorder in the County where the property is located. Care must be taken that the exact legal description in the existing deed appears on the new deed.
One disadvantage of placing your house in a trust is the loss of direct ownership. Transferring your property to a revocable living trust makes the trust the legal owner. While you retain control as the trustee, this change in ownership may affect your ability to mortgage or refinance the property.
Ohio law states only the individual requesting the change or an attorney can prepare the new deed. Once the new deed has been prepared, it must be presented to the Fiscal Office Property Transfer Department for approval of the legal description contained in the new deed and for the transfer to the new name.
Deeds and additional ownership documentation (circa 1810 to present) is available online or in person at the Recorder's Office, located on the 4th floor of the Cuyahoga County Administration Building.
(A) Personal property may be transferred to a trustee as authorized by section 5804.01 of the Revised Code by executing the necessary written instrument that identifies the personal property transferred and identifies the trustee by name followed by the designation "trustee."