what states require an attorney opinion letter versus a trust certain certification

Do all states require a trust to be certified?

Jan 22, 2020 · BM&G requests copies of the preliminary title work, the loan application and the trust instrument in order to prepare an Attorney Trust Opinion letter. Often, when authorized by state law, borrowers will submit a certification of trust rather than the complete trust instrument. A certification of trust is acceptable in lieu of the actual trust ...

What are the laws regarding a trust certificate?

Dec 24, 2018 · The opinion letter is a formal letter drafted by an attorney. The aim is to verify the legal status of either you or your business. Some situations that might require an opinion letter include: Verifying a person’s lack of criminal status. Validating a company or organization. Statements on how a judge should rule on a legal matter.

Can a bank require an attorney opinion letter?

Mar 04, 2013 · A legal opinion letter refers to a letter written by an attorney which states that as of the day of review and according to the terms of the Trust, the Trust assets can be encumbered and that the Trustee has the authority to encumber the assets. Only an Attorney can provide a Trust Certification and Legal Opinion Letter. Benefits

What is a legal opinion letter?

Aug 21, 2020 · A lot of states will have their own laws regarding trusts. They state that if a certification of trust has certain information, the institution has to accept it in place of the whole trust document. Many states have certain statutes that lay out the contents of the certification of trust. As long as your certificates meet all state requirements ...

What is an attorney opinion letter for a trust?

A legal opinion letter refers to a letter written by an attorney which states that as of the day of review and according to the terms of the Trust, the Trust assets can be encumbered and that the Trustee has the authority to encumber the assets.Mar 4, 2013

What is the purpose of an attorney opinion letter?

The opinion letter is a formal letter drafted by an attorney. The aim is to verify the legal status of either you or your business.Dec 17, 2018

Should you provide legal opinion in a letter?

The main purposes of a legal opinion are: to inform the client or the lender of the possible leagl risks and effects of a transaction or matter. A legal opinion letter may also insulate the buyer and seller from legal liability if it is later determined that the transaction violated laws or regulations.

Is a legal opinion binding?

Are the Attorney General's opinions binding? The Attorney General's opinions are advisory, and not legally binding on courts, agencies, or individuals.

What is an enforceability legal opinion?

Enforceability Opinion means an executed original of a written legal opinion from counsel for Seller (such counsel to be reasonably acceptable to Buyer), concerning this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents (including enforceability and due authorization thereof) and related matters, in form and substance satisfactory ...

Does Fannie Mae allow irrevocable trust?

Note: A trust must meet Fannie Mae's revocability and other eligibility requirements at the time the loan is delivered. Trust eligibility is not affected if the trust documents contain a provision that the trust will, in the future, become irrevocable upon the death of one of the settlors.Oct 31, 2017

Who can provide a legal opinion?

Depending on the analysis of some facts which may be past or present, a lawyer can give a legal opinion. In some cases such as property cases, a legal opinion can be obtained, for other issues related to past or current affairs, a legal opinion can be obtained.Oct 12, 2020

Is North Carolina an attorney state?

Are You In An Attorney State?StateAttorney State?New York​Yes - Attorney StateNorth Carolina​Yes - Attorney StateNorth Dakota​Yes - Attorney StateOhioNo47 more rows•Jan 4, 2022

What is an opinion certificate?

Opinion Backup Certificate. This form is an Opinion Backup Certificate. It is an officer's certificate provided to a law firm as factual backup for a legal opinion in connection with a loan transaction.

What do you think is the most important part of a legal opinion letter?

iv. When a reasoned opinion is rendered, the most important parts of the opinion are the statement of facts, particularly including the facts assumed to be true, the exceptions and the analysis on which the conclusion is based.

What is IRAC method?

IRAC stands for the “Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion” structure of legal analysis. ... While using IRAC doesn't guarantee an “A” from the professor, it's extremely useful in organizing an answer. And even though it's not the only way to structure an answer, it helps to make sure that all the bases are covered.

What is the difference between legal advice and legal opinion?

It points to the key difference between a legal opinion and legal advice—i.e., that a legal opinion is an attorney's analysis based on past or present facts, while legal advice is an attorney's counsel and guidance as to what future actions the client should take.

What should a legal opinion contain?

For completeness sake, a legal opinion should set out the following:The background.The cause (or what led to the opinion being sought).Mandate or instruction (and what do you aim to analyse).Methodology (for your analysis).Analysis (cross referencing to legal precedent and/or authority).More items...•Nov 1, 2017

What is the benefit of a legal opinion?

The main purposes of a legal opinion are: To inform the addressee of the legal effect of a transaction or matter. To identify legal risks that the addressee should consider further and evaluate.

How do you write a legal opinion letter?

How to Write an Opinion LetterState the facts: The facts are the answers to the client's questions. ... Analysis: For an easy analysis, first set out the provision of the law and the law itself. ... Answer the query: To answer the query, you will rely on the fact and analysis sections.More items...•Aug 5, 2016

What is meant by legal opinion?

an evaluation or judgment given by an expert. a medical opinion. 5. the advice given by a barrister or counsel on a case submitted to him or her for a view on the legal points involved.

What is a foreign legal opinion letter?

This is essentially a formal letter from a firm of lawyers qualified in the law in the same jurisdiction as the foreign party stating whether the obligations in the legal documentation will be enforceable against the foreign party.

How do you ask for a legal opinion?

2 Answers the problem is deed of family settlement has not been stamped and registered . such a document would be in admissible in evidence . it is better to obtain deed of relinquishment from your 2 aunts. it should be duly stamped and registered.

What is enforceability certificate?

India: Enforceability Of Certification Marks In India. ... Rather registration of a certification mark confers on its proprietor the exclusive right to authorize others to use the certification mark on and in relation to their goods/services provided they meet the standards set out by the proprietor.Aug 26, 2021

What is the difference between a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust?

A revocable trust and living trust are separate terms that describe the same thing: a trust in which the terms can be changed at any time. An irrevocable trust describes a trust that cannot be modified after it is created without the beneficiaries' consent.

Can you put a mortgaged house in an irrevocable trust?

The bottom line is that you can freely transfer your mortgaged property to a revocable trust (to avoid probate) or an irrevocable trust (to protect your home from Medicaid) without fear of having to pay off the mortgage.Oct 27, 2020

Can you take money out of a irrevocable trust?

The trustee of an irrevocable trust can only withdraw money to use for the benefit of the trust according to terms set by the grantor, like disbursing income to beneficiaries or paying maintenance costs, and never for personal use.

Is Florida a title or attorney state?

Several east coast states are attorney states: Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Some states, such as Florida, are “Title Company States” that do not require an attorney to close loans or purchases as long as the closing includes title insurance.Oct 5, 2020

Is Florida an attorney closing state?

Several states have laws on the books mandating the physical presence of an attorney or other types of involvement at real estate closings, including: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New ...

Does NC require a closing attorney?

North Carolina has a law that all real estate closings must take place with a North Carolina licensed attorney.Oct 28, 2011

What is a trust certification?

A Trust Certification involves an attorney reviewing your Trust and making a legal determination that according to the terms of the Trust the Trust assets can be encumbered and that the Trustee has the legal authority to encumber the Trust assets. This generally refers to the ability to purchase a home or refinance your existing mortgage. With a Trust Certification your property remains in your Trust.

What is a legal opinion letter?

A legal opinion letter refers to a letter written by an attorney which states that as of the day of review and according to the terms of the Trust, the Trust assets can be encumbered and that the Trustee has the authority to encumber the assets. Only an Attorney can provide a Trust Certification and Legal Opinion Letter.

What happens if you take a property out of a trust?

If you take the property out of the Trust, and something happens to you, your property could be exposed to the probate process, thereby defeating all of your Estate Planning efforts. Taking the property out of the Trust also involves the added expense of recording the deed additional times. And, there is always the possibility of forgetting to put the property back into your Trust.

What is a certificate of trustee?

Certification of trustee is when the holder of the trust determines who has the power to move assets around within a trust. 3 min read. 1. Certification of Trustee. 2. The Definition of a Certificate of Trust. 3.

Can you move property within a revocable trust?

This means that you can move property within the trust at will, even dissolving it if you wish to do so. When doing business, banks, lenders, and other types of financial institutions may want to confirm that some assets are still within the trust and that you can still access them.

What is a revocable trust?

It will cite the creation of the trust and any changes that are made from the original trust. If its a revocable trust, it will explain who is allowed to revoke.

What is an inter vivo certificate?

The certificate of inter vivos trust will provide the necessary information to facilitate a transfer from the trust to your banking institution, transfer agent, or other third party. It will also confirm that the trustee has the authority to act for the trust.

What is a living trust?

A living trust is sometimes referred to as a family trust or inter vivos trust. They make sure that all assets acquired are in the name of the trust. Banks and brokerage firms require that when you are opening a new account you need to provide a copy of the trust. It is also requested from escrows when you purchase real estate.

Do states have their own laws regarding trusts?

They state that if a certification of trust has certain information, the institution has to accept it in place of the whole trust document. Many states have certain statutes that lay out the contents of the certification of trust. As long as your certificates meet all state requirements, different institutions have to accept it. Otherwise, it will be liable for any losses that occur.

What is a memorandum of trust?

A memorandum of trust is also a certification, abstract, or certificate of trust. It is a shorter version of the trust certificate. It provides institutions with information they need, but allows you to keep some components confidential. You are not required to provide the names of beneficiaries.

What kind of lawyer do I need for a trust?

However, a person with a large or complex estate or a unique situation may want to consult with an estate planning attorney for help with setting up a trust. Regardless of the size of estate, it might be a good idea to talk to an estate planning attorney if you have questions or concerns about setting up a trust.

What is an opinion letter from an attorney?

An opinion letter is a formal expression of a judgment or advice based on the attorneys' legal knowledge and expertise in an area of law. The term "legal opinion" is commonly used to refer to a document containing a lawyer's or law firm's understanding of the law that applies to a particular case.

Do I need a lawyer for a revocable living trust?

The need for a lawyer to help with your estate has nothing to do with a Revocable Living Trust. If your executor could handle your estate alone, then there is no need for a lawyer even if you had no Revocable Living Trust.For example, with filing inheritance and estate tax returns or obtaining beneficiary releases.

What is a client opinion letter?

An opinion letter, also called a legal opinion, is a letter issued by a legal counsel that facilitates a lender's due diligence process in a transaction.Lenders often require an opinion letter to act as proof of legal counsel's advice and conclusions regarding the loan documents relevant to the transaction.

What is the purpose of a legal opinion letter?

The opinion letter is a formal letter drafted by an attorney. The aim is to verify the legal status of either you or your business. Some situations that might require an opinion letter include: Verifying a person's lack of criminal status.

What is an attorney opinion letter for a trust?

A legal opinion letter refers to a letter written by an attorney which states that as of the day of review and according to the terms of the Trust, the Trust assets can be encumbered and that the Trustee has the authority to encumber the assets.

Can assets be removed from a revocable trust?

A revocable trust is a flexible legal entity/financial structure that allows the individual who creates it, known as the grantor, to change, remove or alter the trust assets or, in fact, amend the trust itself or its beneficiariesat any point during his or her lifetime.

Where can I find a notary?

Don’t stress about finding a Notary Public. There are numerous places you can go, and according to the National Notary Association, some states now even allow you to sign remotely! You can typically find a Notary Public at any of the following establishments: 1 American Automobile Association (AAA) 2 Banks or other financial institutions 3 Colleges 4 Law offices 5 Libraries 6 License service centers 7 Parcel shipping stores (like UPS) 8 Photocopy shops (like FedEx) 9 Real estate offices 10 Tax Preparer or Accountant Offices

Why is a living trust important?

A Living Trust is an important part of any Estate Plan. Trusts can be used for asset protection, tax benefits, to avoid probate and to set up loved ones for financial security in the future. But there's more than simply having a Trust - you also need to understand the Certificate of Trust.

What is a certificate of trust?

A Certification of Trust is a legal document that can be used to certify both the existence of a Trust, as well as to prove a Trustee’s legal authority to act. It’s shorter than the actual Trust document, and it can offer pertinent information without making every aspect of the Trust public. A Trust Certification gives a Trustee ...

Who is the appointed trustee?

The appointed Trustee is the legal owner of the title to the assets and property inside the Trust. As such, he or she has a legal responsibility to live up to what’s known as fiduciary duties to the beneficiaries. Acting in their best interest can mean many different things, depending on what the Trust itself defines.

Who can sign a trust certificate?

Generally speaking, only the Grantor (the Trust creator) can legally sign a Certificate of Trust. The only exception to this is if you have had a lawyer create the original Trust document. In this case, he or she may also sign the Trust Certificate.

Curt William Ferguson

It sounds like this is a revocable living trust, and sounds like you do not have any ongoing relationship with the attorney who prepared it. Thus you will need to pay an attorney an hourly rate to read through your old trust agreement and provide the legal opinion that is requested.

John P Corrigan

I agree with my colleagues and only add here a link to the specific Fannie Mae guidelines when the borrower is a trust so you can see what needs to be accomplished in terms of whether a trust agreement comports or not with the required standards. https://www.fanniemae.com/content/guide/selling/b2/2/05.html...

Alan James Brinkmeier

This trust document of opinion can easily be prepared. Simply hire a local lawyer and in very short order the review and letter of opinion can be prepared.#N#Good luck.

Brian Kristopher Jones

Generally, the lender will provide specifics they'll want addressed. Typically, the letter will read something like this: "Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

What is an attorney opinion letter?

An attorney opinion letter is a document addressed to either his client or the institution where his client is sending the letter, verifying that to the best of his knowledge, the client is in compliance with the relevant law. Mostly commonly, attorney opinion letters may be required for transactions with lenders, ...

What is a contracting letter?

Contracting Letter. A business entering into a contract can a request an opinion letter from the other business' attorney, certifying that the main parts of the contract are legally enforceable.

Can a bank require an opinion letter from a borrower's attorney?

A bank can require an opinion letter from the borrower's attorney. The borrower has to provide to his attorney an opportunity to go through all the financial documents pertaining to the business. After reviewing the documents, the attorney writes a letter assuring the bank that he reviewed the financials and according to his expert opinion as an ...