Estate Administration
Trust
Administration
When the person who created a trust dies, the successor trustee inherits real legal duties. We help you carry them out correctly.
- Successor trustee counsel
- Notices & accountings
- Asset transfers
- Usually avoids probate
Settling a trust
Faster and more private than probate — but not automatic.
A funded revocable trust avoids probate for the assets it holds, which makes administration more private and usually quicker. But the successor trustee still steps into a fiduciary role with genuine legal responsibilities — and missteps can create personal liability.
We guide trustees through their duties: notifying beneficiaries, accounting for assets, handling tax filings, and distributing the trust the way its terms require.
What we handle
The trustee's duties, done right
Trustee duties
Understand and meet your fiduciary obligations — and avoid personal liability.
Beneficiary notices
Provide the required notices and keep communication clear and documented.
Asset retitling
Transfer and distribute trust property according to the trust's terms.
Tax coordination
Coordinate estate and income tax filings tied to the trust and the estate.
How it works
From the grantor's death to distribution
- 1
Review the trust & qualify
We review the trust terms and confirm the successor trustee's authority to act.
- 2
Notify beneficiaries
Required notices go out, and beneficiaries get clear, documented communication.
- 3
Marshal & manage assets
We help identify, value, retitle, and manage trust assets and address any claims.
- 4
Account, file & distribute
Accountings are prepared, taxes coordinated, and assets distributed per the trust.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is trust administration the same as probate?
No. A funded trust generally avoids court-supervised probate for the assets it holds. There's still work to do — notices, accountings, tax filings, and distributions — but it's typically more private and faster than probate.
What are a trustee's main duties?
Acting in the beneficiaries' interest, following the trust terms, keeping assets separate and well-recorded, communicating with beneficiaries, and handling tax matters. These are real fiduciary duties, and getting them wrong can create personal liability.
Do I need a lawyer to administer a trust?
It's not strictly required, but counsel protects the trustee from missteps and personal exposure, and keeps the administration efficient — especially where there are taxes, real estate, or potential disputes.
Administer a trust with confidence
A free 15-minute call to understand your duties as trustee and how we can help.