California Certification of Trust

In California, the certification of trust is governed by Probate Code Section 18100.5.
A certificate of trust is used by an acting trustee or trustees of a trust to prove to financial institutions or other third parties that he/she/they has/have the authority to act on behalf of the trust. The certificate is used in lieu of the full trust document to keep nonessential information about the trust, such as the identities of trust beneficiaries, confidential.

The certificate verifies the existence of the trust and presents the pertinent details of the trust, such as the settlor, the trustee, the powers granted to the trustee, and, in the case that there are co-trustees, the number and identity of persons required to sign legal documents dealing with the trust. The certificate also specifies how the trust will vest title to real property.

Like all documents affecting real estate, the certification requires a legal description of the real property subject to the trust. In California, the certification also must include the trust's taxpayer ID, a number that is either the SSN of the settlor (in the case of revocable trusts) or an EIN assigned by the IRS (in the case of irrevocable trusts).
Trust law can quickly become complicated, and each case is unique, so contact a lawyer with any questions that arise.

(California Certificate of Trust Package includes form, guidelines, and completed example)

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

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Common Uses for Certificate of Trust

Document a change of trustee for properties held in trust
Transfer property as part of estate administration
Distribute inherited property among multiple heirs
Transfer property from a deceased person's estate
Document the authority of a trustee to act on behalf of a trust

Compare other California deed forms and documents

Quitclaim Deed Gift Deed Warranty Deed Special Warranty Deed Grant Deed Deed Corrective Affidavit Transfer on Death Deed Transfer on Death Revocation Transfer on Death Affidavit Interspousal Transfer Grant Deed Grant Deed for Life Estate Easement Deed Termination, Cancellation of Easement / Right of Way Special Durable Power of Attorney for the Sale of Property Special Durable Power of Attorney for the Purchase of Property Affidavit Death of Joint Tenant Affidavit of Surviving Spouse Long Form Deed of Trust Assignment of Deed of Trust Substitution of Trustee and Full Reconveyance Deed of Full Reconveyance Memorandum and Notice of Agreement Full Release of Memorandum and Notice of Agreement Assignment of Leases and Rents Release of Assignment of Leases and Rents. Personal Representative Deed Disclaimer of Interest Preliminary Notice Notice of Completion Notice of Mechanics Lien Mineral Deed Mineral Deed with Quitclaim Covenants Notice of Pending Action Release of Notice of Pending Action Trustee Deed Upon Sale

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our certificate of trust forms are specifically formatted for each county in California.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

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