At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we handle trust administrations involving discord, distrust, miscommunication, or lack of communication among trustees and beneficiaries. Our goal is to bridge the gap, resolve conflicts, and complete the trust administration process efficiently. We aim to ensure trustees can confidently move forward, knowing the trust has been administered properly and disputes cannot resurface.
With offices in Irvine and San Diego, we help trust administrators navigate potential pitfalls, minimize risks, ensure compliance with legal requirements and let you get a better night’s sleep knowing that you are administrating a trust the right way. Our firm’s attorneys can also help you challenge a trustee’s actions if you suspect they are breaching their fiduciary duties.
Trust Administration: What Does The Successor Trustee Need To Know?
Trust administration involves the management and distribution of assets held in a trust after the passing of the grantor or trustor (the person who created the trust). A successor trustee will take over the responsibility of managing a trust’s assets and the distribution of those assets to the trust’s named beneficiaries.
What Are The Fiduciary Duties Of A Trustee?
A trustee has fiduciary duties to act in good faith and loyalty as they carry out the wishes of the grantor as set forth in the trust. A trustee has a legal obligation to manage a trust’s assets in good faith and transparency. Fiduciary duties include:
- A trustee must act in good faith, with honesty and transparency
- A trustee must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries
- A trustee must remain impartial to the interests of multiple beneficiaries, not favoring one over another
- A trustee must distribute the trust’s assets as directed by the trust
A trustee’s responsibilities are governed by the rules and duties set forth in California Probate Code Sections 16000 -16249. These responsibilities include the added duties provided by the Uniform Prudent Investors Act. A trustee is subject to removal or a surcharge if they fail to perform their fiduciary duties. Our trust administration attorneys provide legal support and guidance to fiduciaries and trustees as they fulfill their legal obligations to administer a trust.
Facilitating A Smooth And Efficient Trust Administration Process
Efficiency and accuracy are key to a successful trust administration. Our firm’s trust administration lawyers leverage advanced technology. Our legal team pays meticulous attention to detail to streamline the entire estate administration process whether you have been named the executor of a will or the administrator of a trust. We will assist you in asset valuation, asset transfer, tax preparation, beneficiary communications and any other necessary tasks of a trust’s administration. We will facilitate a seamless and timely administration that honors the wishes of the trustor.
Managing Conflicts And Disputes With Beneficiaries
It is important to maintain positive relationships with beneficiaries. Our litigators can provide legal guidance and advice in the event conflicts and disputes arise. We can facilitate a resolution to conflicts or challenges to a will or trust, all the while striving to uphold the grantor’s wishes.
Our estate and trust administration attorneys at The Estate Lawyers, APC, have a deep understanding of the trust administration process and how emotionally challenging and overwhelming it can be at times. We take a personalized approach to every case and are available to answer your questions, allowing you to confidently fulfill your fiduciary responsibilities, knowing that you have a trusted partner by your side.
Consult A California Trust Administration Lawyer For Free
We are happy to offer a one-hour paid consultation that provides significant value. During this time, we will review relevant documents and your unique situation, offer legal advice, and help you decide on the best course of action to resolve your dispute.
If you’re navigating a challenging trust administration process, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help you resolve disputes and achieve peace of mind send us a message or call us at 866-330-0578.