Do I need to bring my land patent forward before placing it into a trust?

Yes, bringing your land patent forward is generally considered the first and most critical step before placing it into a trust.

Bring it forward first; these are the steps:1. Complete a chain of title

• From your current deed back to the original patentee (grantee of the land patent).

2. Record a Declaration of Land Patent

• Declare your rightful standing in the chain of title.
• Attach the original land patent (certified copy), your deed, and your title chain summary.

3. Provide public notice (county or online)

• Publish your declaration in a public location (online + newspaper if needed).

4. Wait optional rebuttal window

• Give 30–90 days for any rebuttal or challenge (rare).

5. Transfer into your trust via deed

• Now that your name is attached to the land patent (publicly and legally), you can transfer that equitable interest into your trust via deed and trust asset documents.