Should my bank accounts be titled in my trust?

Many trust-based estate plans include retitling bank accounts into the trust or adding transfer-on-death designations to the trust.

The best approach depends on the bank, the type of account, how the account is used, and whether the account is joint. We want the account to remain practical during your lifetime while still fitting into the plan after death.

For many clients, the goal is simple: keep access easy during life and avoid unnecessary court involvement after death.

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