Can I name my trust anything I want?

In theory, you can name your trust anything you want to name it. Mickey Mouse Living Trust? Sure! But actually maybe not.

Typically, a living trust is named LAST NAME LIVING TRUST, or a variation of your name living trust (perhaps FIRST NAME LAST NAME LIVING TRUST). The reason is this: it’s easy to identify that it’s yours!

If you have a name other than your last name — or a variation of your name — then some financial institutions or the recorder’s office (where they look at deeds) may request to see a copy of the entire trust to prove that it’s yours. It’s an extra hoop.

In certain circumstances people want to have a private trust, to try to conceal their identity. This is really, really complicated for a variety of reasons and I do not suggest it in most circumstances.

If you’re concerned about identity issues, then let’s talk about what they are and why and how we can resolve this as easily as possible.