Trust Administration

When a loved one passes away leaving an estate plan that includes a Trust, the responsibility of administering that Trust falls to the Trustee. This critical role involves managing, protecting, and eventually distributing the Trust’s assets in strict accordance with the decedent’s instructions  and the terms set forth in the Trust document.

In California, Trustees face numerous legal requirements and deadlines. These include providing necessary notices to creditors and beneficiaries, maintaining clear and accurate communication with all interested parties, locating and securing Trust assets, addressing tax filings and obligations, resolving outstanding debts and liabilities, and ultimately distributing the assets to the rightful beneficiaries. Failure to comply with these duties can result in legal complications or personal liability for the Trustee.

Trust administration can quickly become a complex and demanding process, especially when navigating California’s nuanced legal landscape. Our dedicated legal team has extensive experience helping Trustees  fulfill their fiduciary duties efficiently and correctly. We provide personalized guidance at every stage, including:

• Reviewing and interpreting the Trust document to ensure compliance with the decedent’s wishes
• Preparing all necessary legal notices and documents
• Assisting with asset identification, valuation, and transfer to protect Trust property
• Coordinating with tax professionals to handle estate and income tax matters
• Resolving creditor claims and other outstanding liabilities
• Facilitating clear communication with beneficiaries to minimize disputes and confusion
• Advising on complex legal issues that may arise during administration

Our firms helps Trustees gain peace of mind  knowing they have experienced attorneys helping them avoid common pitfalls. We are committed to making the trust administration process as smooth and transparent as possible while protecting the integrity of the Trust and honoring the wishes of the deceased.

If you have been named a Trustee or are involved in trust administration, contact us to learn how we can support you through this important responsibility.