Fiduciary Guidance
Trust Administration
We guide trustees through every phase of trust administration — from the initial steps after a settlor's death to the final distribution of assets. Whether you're a family member or professional fiduciary, we protect you from personal liability.
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Most trustees didn't choose this role — they inherited it.
The bulk of our practice involves representing family members serving as successor trustees — sons, daughters, and other relatives who find themselves navigating complex fiduciary responsibilities during one of the most difficult times of their lives.
The duties and obligations can be overwhelming: mandatory notifications, asset inventories, creditor claims, tax filings, investment decisions, and beneficiary distributions — each carrying potential personal liability if handled improperly. We ensure trustees fulfill every obligation correctly.
Our Trust Administration Services
Guidance through every phase of administration
Initial Trust Administration
The first 60 days after a settlor's death are critical. We guide successor trustees through mandatory notifications, asset identification, creditor management, and the creation of sub-trusts — ensuring every legal deadline is met.
- Notification to beneficiaries and heirs
- Asset identification and inventory
- Creditor claims management
- Tax identification numbers
- Sub-trust funding and allocation
Ongoing Administration
Trust administration doesn't end after the initial steps. We advise trustees on investment decisions, distribution timing, accounting obligations, and beneficiary communications — reducing the risk of future disputes.
- Investment management guidance
- Distribution planning and execution
- Accounting preparation and delivery
- Beneficiary communication strategies
- Record-keeping best practices
Trust Modification & Termination
When circumstances change, trusts may need to be modified or terminated. We handle court petitions, decanting strategies, and final distributions — ensuring trustees are properly discharged and released from liability.
- Court petitions for modification
- Trust decanting strategies
- Termination procedures
- Final accountings and distributions
- Trustee discharge and release
Fiduciary Liability Protection
Every decision a trustee makes carries potential personal liability. We help trustees document decisions, obtain court approval when needed, and build a defensible record of their administration.
- Proactive liability risk assessment
- Court instructions under Probate Code §17200
- Decision documentation protocols
- Beneficiary release agreements
- Trustee compensation justification
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Trust administration articles
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