Trust Administration

Whether you are the named Successor Trustee of a deceased person’s trust or a beneficiary, you have rights and obligations under the California Probate Code. Though trust administrations are private matters, the Successor Trustee is obligated give formal statutory notice of the administration. Heirs and beneficiaries are due such notice and have the right to review the trust documents when so requested.

Generally, 120 days must pass before trust distributions are made. During this waiting period, the assets of the trust are collected and the decedent’s bills and obligations are satisfied. After the 120 days have passed, the Successor Trustee generally circulates an accounting of the administration and a proposed final distribution.

Trust administrations can be emotionally draining for both the heirs and Successor Trustee. Despite best efforts, there is often a lack of understanding of the obligations, duties and timeframe of a trust administration. Financial interests become mixed with family or personal relationships, all in the backdrop of mourning the loss of a family member or other loved one.

In our experience, the very first communication by the Successor Trustee, beneficiary or heir must be carefully thought out delivered. Open communication, cooperative efforts and efficient resolution remain our objectives from the beginning to the end of a trust administration.

If you are the Successor Trustee of a deceased person’s trust, or you are the beneficiary or heir, we can protect your interests with expertise, politeness and authority.