Trust Administration
Guiding Trustees and Families Through the Trust Settlement Process
When someone passes away with a Revocable Living Trust or other types of trusts in place, probate may be avoided — but trust administration is still required. Trustees have important legal obligations, and failing to meet them can lead to disputes, tax issues, or personal liability.
Our attorneys provide clear, step-by-step guidance to help trustees and families administer trusts efficiently, correctly, and with confidence.
What Is Trust Administration?
Trust administration is the process of carrying out the instructions in a trust after the trust-maker (grantor) becomes incapacitated or passes away. Unlike probate, trust administration is private, usually faster, and less expensive — but it still involves detailed legal responsibilities.
Trust administration typically includes:
- Identifying, gathering, and securing trust assets
- Notifying beneficiaries and heirs
- Paying debts, taxes, and final expenses
- Managing investment accounts and real property
- Distributing assets according to the trust instructions
Keeping accurate records and accounting
We help trustees satisfy every legal requirement and protect themselves from unintended liability.
Responsibilities of a Trustee
Trustees must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries and follow the trust’s instructions.
Key duties include:
Asset Inventory & Management
Trust assets may include:
- Real estate
- Bank accounts
- Investments
- Business interests
- Life insurance
- Personal property
We help trustees locate, value, protect, and properly manage all assets.
Notifying Beneficiaries & Heirs
State law requires trustees to:
- Provide formal notices
- Share trust documents
- Communicate updates
- Ensure beneficiaries receive required information
We prepare all required notices and assist with communication.
Paying Debts & Taxes
Trustees are responsible for:
- Final medical bills
- Creditors
- Mortgages and liens
- Property taxes
- Estate and income tax returns
We help trustees avoid errors that can result in personal financial liability.
Real Estate Management
Trusts often hold real property.
We help with:
- Title transfers
- Coordinating appraisals
- Managing or selling property
- Avoiding disputes among heirs
- Ensuring proper distribution
Trust Accounting & Recordkeeping
Trustees must maintain detailed records of:
- Payments
- Distributions
- Expenses
- Asset transfers
- Investment activity
We assist in preparing formal trust accountings as required by law.
Distributing Assets to Beneficiaries
Distribution may be:
- Immediate (simple trusts)
- Delayed or structured (minor or special needs beneficiaries)
- Conditional (based on trust instructions)
We guide trustees in making proper, lawful distributions that follow the trust exactly as written.
Types of Trusts We Administer
We assist with all forms of trust administration, including:
- Revocable Living Trusts
- Irrevocable Trusts
- Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs)
- Special Needs Trusts
- Testamentary Trusts
- Spendthrift Trusts
- Family Trusts
- Credit Shelter / Bypass Trusts
Charitable Trusts
Each type has unique rules — we ensure full compliance.
Trust Administration vs. Probate
| Probate | Trust Administration |
|---|---|
| Court-supervised | Private process |
| Public record | Confidential |
| Can take months to years | Usually faster |
| Required for assets in your name | Required for trust-held assets |
| Can be costly | Typically less expensive |
Even though probate is avoided, trust administration is still legally necessary and must be done properly.
Common Challenges Trustees Face
- Not knowing how to locate or value all assets
- Conflicts among beneficiaries
- Pressure to make early distributions
- Unclear instructions in the trust
- Managing real estate or businesses in the trust
- International or out-of-state beneficiaries
- Tax filing deadlines
Understanding when and how to account
We help trustees navigate these issues with confidence and clarity.
Why Trustees Choose Our Firm
- Step-by-step guidance for first-time trustees
- Deep experience handling complex and high-value trusts
- Integrated understanding of Elder Law, tax, and real estate matters
- Support for out-of-state trustees
- Clear communication with beneficiaries
- Transparent fees and organized processes
We make the trust administration process efficient, accurate, and stress-free.
Start Trust Administration With Confidence
If you are a trustee, beneficiary, or family member needing guidance, we’re here to help you settle the trust correctly and protect your loved one’s legacy.
Contact us today to schedule a Trust Administration consultation.
