[PA] Should a revocable trust be titled in the grantor’s name or the beneficiary’s name?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand your concern. Has the trust been formally established and documented?

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you included specific provisions for assets or beneficiaries?

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?

Randy M.

Using your full legal name in the title of your trust is usually legally sufficient. What matters most is that the trust is properly executed and clearly identifies the trustee, beneficiaries, and terms.

However, while a simple name can be valid, best practice is to include more detail so banks and title companies can easily identify the trust. A commonly accepted format is: “John Smith Revocable Living Trust, dated September 5, 2025.”

When transferring assets into the trust, they are typically titled in your name as trustee, for example: “John Smith, Trustee of the John Smith Revocable Living Trust dated September 5, 2025.”

You mentioned creating a Certificate of Trust—that’s exactly right. This document allows third parties to verify the trust without seeing private details. Since requirements vary by state, it’s important to confirm compliance locally. What state are you located in?

Randy M.

No. Trusts are private documents and are not recorded with the state. Only assets transferred into the trust (like deeds) may be recorded.

Randy M.

Pennsylvania follows the Uniform Trust Code. Common and valid trust titles include:

• “The John Doe Revocable Living Trust”
• “The Doe Family Trust”
• “The John Doe Family Trust”

All are legally acceptable.

Randy M.

If you are the grantor, the trust should be titled in your name, not your son’s (20 Pa.C.S. § 7731).

Correct examples:

• “The [Your Name] Family Trust”
• “The [Your Name] Revocable Living Trust”

Your son should be named inside the trust as a beneficiary (or successor trustee if applicable), but not in the title (20 Pa.C.S. § 7701). Using his name could cause confusion about ownership and authority with banks or tax authorities.