How to Convey Your Home to a Trust in Arizona
If you live in Arizona and have created a revocable living trust, it’s essential to understand how to convey your home to a trust in Arizona properly. This is a key step to ensure your home avoids probate and is managed in line with your estate planning wishes. Fortunately, Arizona law makes this process straightforward.
Why Arizona Law Makes It Easy
One reason it’s simple to convey your home to a trust in Arizona is that state law recognizes this transfer through common legal tools. Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-404 allows you to transfer real property into a trust by using a properly executed and recorded deed. This means you can legally change the title from your individual name to your name as trustee of your living trust.
Step 1: Prepare the Deed to Convey Your Home to a Trust in Arizona
The first step to convey your home to a trust in Arizona is preparing the correct type of deed. Typically, this will be a warranty deed or quitclaim deed, depending on your situation.
The deed must clearly state that you, as the current owner, are transferring the property to yourself as trustee. For example:
John Doe, as Trustee of the John Doe Living Trust dated January 1, 2020.
It should include the full legal property description and reference your trust accurately. To avoid mistakes, contact a reputable title company — they can prepare the deed and guide you through the language required to correctly convey your home to a trust in Arizona.
Step 2: Record the Deed with the County
Once your deed is properly completed and notarized, the next step is to record it with the County Recorder’s Office where the property is located. This public filing is what makes the transfer official.
In Arizona, most counties allow you to record in person, by mail, or even online. However, the simplest approach is to have the title company you worked with file it for you. They’ll ensure everything is done correctly and that the document is legally valid. Recording fees vary slightly but are typically modest across Arizona.
Recording the deed is a required legal step to officially convey your home to a trust in Arizona and protect your property rights under your new trust.
Step 3: Notify Lenders and Insurance Providers
After recording the deed, notify your mortgage lender. With a revocable living trust, lenders are generally unaffected, but some may want the updated trust info for their records. It’s a good practice to communicate the change.
You should also update your homeowners insurance. Contact your insurer and list your trust as an additional insured party. This ensures full coverage now that ownership has shifted to your trust.
Though optional, these final notifications make sure all your legal and financial documents align — especially after you convey your home to a trust in Arizona.
Final Thoughts on Estate Planning in Arizona
To convey your home to a trust in Arizona is to take a smart, proactive step in your estate planning. It helps your loved ones avoid probate, protects your privacy, and ensures that your intentions are carried out efficiently.
If you’re unsure how to proceed or want peace of mind, work with a title company or estate attorney who understands Arizona law. They’ll help you prepare the correct deed, record it properly, and finalize the transition without costly errors.
For more tips and guidance on estate planning in Arizona, be sure to visit trusthandled.org especially if you’re ready to convey your home to a trust in Arizona today.
