Detailed Answer

If you already have a living trust in North Carolina, you can update its terms and transfer real estate into it by following state requirements and the rules set out in your trust document. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Review Your Trust Document

Start by locating the amendment clause in your trust. Many trusts permit you to amend specific provisions without revoking the entire document. If your trust lacks an amendment clause or you want a clean, consolidated version, consider drafting a restatement. Restatements incorporate all changes into one new document and replace the old trust.

2. Amend or Restate the Trust

North Carolina’s Uniform Trust Code allows a settlor to amend or revoke a revocable trust as long as they have capacity. You must:

• Prepare a written amendment or restatement that clearly identifies your trust by date and grantor’s name.
• Sign the amendment or restatement in the presence of a notary public.
• Deliver the signed amendment or restatement according to your trust’s instructions.

See North Carolina General Statutes § 36C-4-410 for more details: G.S. 36C-4-410.

3. Prepare a Deed to Transfer Real Estate

To fund your trust with real estate, you transfer legal title from yourself to your trustee. Follow these steps:

• Obtain a new deed form—usually a Grant, Bargain, and Sale Deed or Quitclaim Deed.
• Name the current trustee as grantee. For example: “John Doe, Trustee of the Doe Family Living Trust dated January 1, 2020.”
• Include a correct legal description of the property.
• Sign the deed in front of a notary public. North Carolina law requires deed acknowledgments: see G.S. 47-18.
• Record the deed with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property sits. Recording puts the world on notice that the trust now owns the property.

4. Update Your Trust’s Asset Schedule

Once the deed records, update the schedule of trust assets. This internal list helps your successor trustee locate and manage trust property. List each parcel by address, tax parcel number, and date of transfer.

5. Notify Relevant Parties

After you fund the trust, notify your homeowner’s insurer, mortgage lender (if any), and homeowners association. Provide them with a copy of the recorded deed or a transfer memo so they update their records.

6. Consider Tax and Mortgage Implications

Transferring property into a revocable trust usually has no gift or income tax impact. However, check with your tax advisor if you hold property in another form. If there’s a mortgage, some lenders require notification or consent before the transfer.

7. Keep Original Documents Safe

Store your signed trust amendment or restatement, the recorded deed, and the updated asset schedule in a safe place. Let your successor trustee know how to access these records when needed.

Key Steps at a Glance

• Review your trust’s amendment or restatement provisions.
• Draft and execute a written amendment or full restatement under G.S. 36C-4-410.
• Prepare a deed naming the trustee as grantee.
• Sign and notarize the deed (G.S. 47-18).
• Record the deed in the county Register of Deeds.
• Update the trust’s asset schedule.
• Notify insurers, lenders, and associations.
• Store originals securely and inform your successor trustee.