Trust Administration Attorney
Guiding Trustees Every Step of the Way
Being named successor trustee is an honor — and a significant responsibility. We guide trustees through the legal, tax, and administrative requirements of settling a trust properly and without personal liability.
What Is Trust Administration?
Trust administration is the process of managing and distributing a trust's assets after the trust creator (trustor) passes away. Unlike probate, it happens privately — no court involvement, no public record.
As successor trustee, you are legally responsible for correctly carrying out the trust's terms. Mistakes — like distributing assets too early, failing to notify creditors, or missing tax deadlines — can expose you to personal liability.
Our attorneys handle the complex legal and administrative work so you can fulfill your duties correctly and protect yourself from liability claims by beneficiaries or creditors.
Trust Administration vs. Probate
Trust administration is private, typically takes 4–12 months, and has no statutory court fees. Probate is public, takes 12–24 months, and costs 4–8% of the gross estate in fees. A funded living trust is almost always better for families.
Trustee Checklist
- Locate and review the trust document
- Notify all beneficiaries and heirs
- Provide required notice to creditors
- File the trustor's final income tax return
- Inventory and value all trust assets
- Pay valid debts and expenses
- Prepare and distribute trust accountings
- Transfer assets to beneficiaries per trust terms
- Obtain court approval (if required)
- Close the trust formally
The Trust Administration Process
We walk you through every step — from the death certificate to final distribution.
Notify & Document
Notify beneficiaries, creditors, and government agencies. Obtain the death certificate and gather trust documents.
Inventory Assets
Identify, locate, and document all trust assets including real property, accounts, and investments.
Handle Debts & Taxes
Pay valid debts, final income taxes, and any required estate tax filings before distributing assets.
Distribute & Close
Transfer assets to beneficiaries per the trust terms and prepare final accountings to close the trust.
How We Help Trustees
Document Review
We review the trust, will, and supporting documents to determine the scope of your duties.
Beneficiary Notices
We prepare and send all legally required notices to beneficiaries and heirs.
Asset Collection
We help you gather financial accounts, real property, business interests, and personal property.
Accountings
We prepare formal trust accountings showing all income, expenses, and distributions.
Tax Filings
We coordinate final income tax returns, estate tax filings, and trust tax returns (Form 1041).
Dispute Resolution
If beneficiaries disagree, we help resolve disputes and protect your position as trustee.
If you're also looking to plan ahead and avoid putting your own family through this process, learn about living trusts.
Need help with estate planning or probate?
We guide trustees through every step. Schedule your free consultation today.