Should my regular investment account be owned by my trust?

Often, yes, but it depends on the account type and your goals.

For non-retirement investment accounts, one common option is to retitle the account into the name of the trust. Another option may be to add a transfer-on-death designation to the trust.

The key is to make sure the account works with the estate plan. If the trust says one thing and the account title or beneficiary form says another, the account title or beneficiary form may control.

That is why coordination with your financial advisor is so important.

*Reviewed by Estate Planning Attorney Casey Connealy, Partner at Gaughan & Connealy Estate Planning Attorneys on June 23, 2026.