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.
• Publish your declaration in a public location (online + newspaper if needed).
• Give 30–90 days for any rebuttal or challenge (rare).
• 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.

3. Provide public notice (county or online)

4. Wait optional rebuttal window

5. Transfer into your trust via deed