Affidavit (Certificate) of Trust

What to Include

A properly completed certificate of trust should contain:

• Name of the trust
• Type (revocable or irrevocable)
• Date the trust was created
• Name of the settlor or grantor
• Trustee’s name and powers
• Successor trustee’s name
• Tax ID number (if applicable)
• Description of any included property (especially real estate)

Affidavit vs. Certificate of Trust

The terms certificate of trust, affidavit of trust, and certification of trust are often used interchangeably. They all serve the same purpose: verifying the existence of a trust.

How to Get a Certificate of Trust (4 steps)

1. Obtain the Trust Document
   Locate the original trust or contact the attorney who prepared it.
   
2. Check with the Creator
   Confirm that the trust has not been amended or revoked.
   
3. Complete the Certificate
   Fill in the required trust details accurately based on the most recent version.
4. Get It Notarized
   Sign in front of a notary public to make it legally valid. Many states also require recording the certificate if real property is involved.
   

State Laws