Serving as Trustee of a Living Trust is an honor, but it's also a serious legal responsibility that most people underestimate. After the Trust Maker passes away, the Trustee steps into a complex role combining financial management, legal compliance, tax reporting, and family relations—all while emotions are running high.
Most first-time Trustees assume it's "just some easy paperwork" or "merely involves dividing things up." In reality, Trust Administration involves much more, and Trustees are held to the highest legal standard of care—the "fiduciary duty"—which means they can be personally liable for mistakes.
You Can Avoid Costly Trustee Mistakes
This is why our attorney Philip J. Kavesh created this comprehensive guide, The 10 Biggest Mistakes Trustees Make (And How to Avoid Them). When you download your free copy, you'll discover the critical errors that can lead to personal liability, family disputes, and thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses—plus the specific steps to avoid them.
This essential guide reveals:
- Why believing Trust Administration is simple can cost you thousands – The specific sequence California law requires before distributions can happen
- Communication mistakes that destroy families – Required notices, reports, and disclosures that keep beneficiaries informed and reduce disputes
- The dangerous mixing of Trust assets – How commingling funds, even unintentionally, can expose you to embezzlement claims
- Accounting requirements that protect you – Why detailed record-keeping shields you from beneficiary lawsuits and court penalties
- Tax responsibilities that can trigger IRS penalties – The multiple tax returns and filings most trustees don't know about
- When "do-it-yourself" becomes dangerous – Why misinterpreting trust documents or California law can lead to costly lawsuits
- Asset valuation mistakes – How improper appraisals can trigger beneficiary disputes and personal liability
- Real estate management pitfalls – Common property mistakes that lead to loss of income, value, and beneficiary lawsuits
- Liability protection strategies – Steps you must take to shield your personal assets from creditors and beneficiaries
- The critical timing of getting help – Why waiting too long to seek legal guidance can blow apart families
Written by California's Leading Trust Administration Experts
Philip J. Kavesh, J.D., LL.M. (Tax) is a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law and holds a Master's Degree (LL.M.) in Tax Law. As a founding attorney of The Law Firm of Kavesh, Minor & Otis, Inc., Phil is part of a team that has successfully guided over 4,000 Trustees through the trust administration process while serving Southern California for over 40 years.
This extensive hands-on experience—helping thousands of families navigate trust administration when emotions are high and stakes are highest—has given our firm unique insight into what actually works and what commonly goes wrong. Unlike general practice attorneys who handle trust administration occasionally, our entire focus is on estate planning and trust administration.
Real Examples from Over 4,000 Trust Administrations
This guide doesn't just list theoretical problems—it provides real examples from our decades of experience, including:
- The Trustee who distributed all funds, then received a $25,000 IRS bill – With no money left in the Trust, the Trustee became personally liable
- The Trustee who "simplified things" by mixing Trust funds with personal accounts – Later faced accusations of embezzlement when expenses couldn't be separated
- The Trustee who delayed responding to beneficiary requests for two years – Beneficiaries went to court, legal fees mounted, and the Trustee was penalized and removed
- The Trustee who didn't realize rental income required separate tax returns – The IRS assessed thousands in penalties
- The Trustee who failed to maintain vacant property – Burglary losses led to beneficiary lawsuits against the Trustee's personal assets
How an Experienced Trust Administration Attorney Can Help
This guide also explains how the right Trust Administration Attorney can help you complete the process efficiently, correctly, and with peace of mind by:
- Providing step-by-step checklists to avoid needless and costly mistakes
- Preparing and filing required legal notices
- Handling communication with beneficiaries and creditors
- Coordinating asset appraisals and statements
- Shielding you from personal liability through proper disclosures and sign-offs
- Offering fixed-fee pricing (not hourly estimates) to complete the process efficiently
Don't Risk Your Personal Assets
Serving as Trustee is not just a personal favor—it's a legal job with real consequences. You don't have to shoulder this burden alone or risk your personal assets due to innocent mistakes.
This comprehensive guide offers the wisdom and experience our firm has acquired through over 4,000 successful trust administrations spanning four decades. Once you've read it, you'll be equipped with the knowledge needed to protect yourself from personal liability while honoring your role as Trustee.
Complete the form below to get your free copy now and learn how to avoid the costly mistakes that can destroy families and drain your personal savings!
Get Your Free Guide Now
This essential resource could save you thousands of dollars and protect your family relationships. Download The 10 Biggest Mistakes Trustees Make (And How to Avoid Them) and discover:
- The exact sequence California law requires for trust administration
- Required communications that keep beneficiaries satisfied
- Tax filing requirements most trustees miss
- Asset protection strategies to shield your personal wealth
- When to seek professional help before it's too late
Don't let innocent mistakes cost you your personal assets or destroy your family. Get the expert guidance you need to serve as Trustee with confidence and peace of mind.
About The Law Firm of Kavesh, Minor & Otis, Inc.
For over 40 years, our firm has exclusively focused on estate planning and trust administration for Southern California families. With three State Bar Certified Specialists and extensive experience handling over 4,000 trust administrations, we understand both the legal requirements and the emotional challenges trustees face. Our Torrance office serves families throughout the South Bay, including Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes, and El Segundo.
Contact us today: (800) 756-5596 | Schedule a consultation
