Helping Trustees Navigate Their Responsibilities with Confidence

If you’ve been named as a trustee, you may be wondering: What now? Trust administration is a serious responsibility, but you do not have to face it alone. At LawSmyth, APC, we provide knowledgeable support to help you carry out your duties while protecting yourself and honoring the wishes of your loved one.

What Is Trust Administration?

Trust administration is the legal process of managing a trust after the person who created it, the settlor, has passed away or become incapacitated. It involves following the instructions laid out in the trust document, complying with California law, and acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries.

Unlike probate, trust administration usually takes place outside of court. However, that does not mean it is without its formalities. Trustees have legal obligations that must be carried out carefully and properly. These include:

• Identifying and safeguarding trust assets

• Notifying beneficiaries and legal heirs

• Obtaining tax ID numbers and filing tax returns

• Paying valid debts and expenses

• Accounting to beneficiaries

• Making distributions according to the terms of the trust

• Managing investments prudently under the Uniform Prudent Investor Act

Trust administration can last months or even years depending on the nature of the trust. Whether it is a short-term process following a death or a continuing administration for long-term beneficiaries, the trustee must remain diligent, organized, and transparent throughout.