What is the main function of a trust in estate planning?

The main function of a trust in estate planning is to hold and manage assets for the benefit of someone else. This means that a trust can serve various purposes, such as providing for minor children, designating beneficiaries for specific assets, or managing the distribution of an estate according to the wishes of the grantor. The trust is set up to control how and when the assets are distributed, which can offer financial protection, tax benefits, and the avoidance of probate, all of which are essential considerations in effective estate planning.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of estate planning. Issuing a death certificate is a procedural requirement that involves legal and administrative steps following an individual's passing, rather than asset management. Appointing a guardian for minors pertains to family law and child welfare, which is a separate concern from the management and distribution of assets through a trust. Finalizing the sales of property may be relevant in executing an estate or managing assets but does not encapsulate the primary purpose of a trust itself. Thus, option A accurately represents the core function of a trust in estate planning.