Our Most Frequently Asked Trust Administration Questions
If you are serving as a successor trustee after the death of a loved one, these answers can help you understand your first steps, your responsibilities, and when it may be time to get legal guidance.
What Should a Trustee Do First After Someone Dies?
A trustee should first secure important documents, obtain certified death certificates, review the trust and any amendments, identify assets, and determine immediate financial obligations.
What Does a Successor Trustee Do?
A successor trustee is responsible for carrying out the instructions in the trust after the trust maker dies or becomes incapacitated. This may include managing assets, communicating with beneficiaries, paying debts and expenses, and distributing property according to the trust.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Administer a Trust?
Many successor trustees benefit from legal guidance because trust administration can involve strict deadlines, notices, tax issues, beneficiary communication, asset transfers, and potential personal liability if mistakes are made.
How Long Does Trust Administration Take in California?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the trust, the assets involved, tax issues, beneficiary cooperation, and whether disputes arise. Some administrations are completed in months, while more complicated matters may take longer.
What Is the Difference Between Probate and Trust Administration?
Free Resources for Trustees and Beneficiaries
- Page 3
-
How to Probate the Estate of a Missing Person in CaliforniaBefore you can initiate probate proceedings for a missing person’s estate, you will need to demonstrate that they are most likely deceased. Learn more here.
-
Your Legal Options for Challenging a WillCalifornia allows people to challenge the validity of a will, but you must have very specific reasons for doing so. Learn more here.
-
A Glossary of Important California Probate TermsIf you are beginning probate, here are some of the most common and important California probate terms you are likely to encounter in court.
-
What to Know About Inventorying an Estate in CaliforniaIf you have been appointed the representative of a California estate, inventorying the decedent’s assets is among your most important responsibilities.
-
Understanding Ambiguous Wills in California ProbateAn ambiguous will is one that is not clearly defined or explained and may cause complications in California probate. Read the article for more information!
-
Settling Debt on a California EstateWhenever someone dies and leaves behind an estate in California, there’s the possibility creditors could make claims on the inheritance. Read more!
-
An Overview of California’s Probate ProcessIf you’ve been made a custodian of a will or representative of an estate, you need to know California’s deadlines and expectations for probate. Learn more here.
-
Marshalling and Managing Estate AssetsWhen you’ve been entrusted to manage an estate, you must gather all the deceased’s properties and create an inventory and appraise their value.
-
Living Trust Services for Trustees and BeneficiariesThe Law Firm of Kavesh, Minor & Otis, Inc., of Southern California offers a full range of services for trustees and beneficiaries upon your death or incapacity.
-
Post-Death Administration ServicesThe Law Firm of Kavesh provides expert post-death planning services, covering probate, trusts, estate tax returns & smooth asset distribution for loved ones
