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
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Peter was very professional and courteous . He gave us all the information that we needed and was easy to understand.
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Peter Kion did an outstanding job setting up my trust for me He also teaches classes about trusts too. He helped me. He’ll help you too
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Jane was easy to talk to. She listened to what we wanted done and had everything prepared at the next meeting.
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Excellent experience! Peter Keon is thorough and professional. He made us feel at ease and answered all of our questions. He has extensive knowledge of the tax laws and advised us accordingly. The staff is friendly and efficient. Trust your estate planning to Kavesh, Minor, & Otis!
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Very informative and with clear explanation of each section of the trust.
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Excellent Living Trust and Will review with Peter Keon. I learned a lot more on both my Living trust and Will and I know how I will proceed for my updates. Thank you very much for providing the time to discuss and answer my questions and concerns.
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I highly recommend Kavesh, Minor & Otis to anyone who wants to create a living trust or have a living trust that may need updating.
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Jane Lee provided important specific information for my 3-year Free Trust Review! I feel confident that my trust is up-to-date and appreciate Jane’s knowledge and personable guidance. Thank you!
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They helped me put my Dad's estate in order, after his death. I recommend them for trust and estate planning.
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“My father passed away in February of 2008, and I can only tell you that I was and am so thankful for the trust document he had your firm do. I couldn’t have gotten through all of this without the expert guidance of your firm.”
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"Because my brother had such thoughtful and thorough assistance while planning, following through with his wishes was clear. I appreciated your firm’s attention to detail, as well as the knowledge of all the necessary procedures to administer a trust."
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"We recognized Phil Kavesh as someone who knew what he was talking about. Having a Living Trust is the assurance that things will go on without us as we choose to have them happen, plus we are able to avoid the costs of probate."