Estate Administration

Trust Administration

Carrying out your responsibilities as trustee — confidently, correctly, and without second-guessing every step.

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What trust administration means

Trust administration is the process of managing a trust after the grantor (the person who created it) dies or becomes incapacitated. As trustee, you're the fiduciary — meaning you're legally responsible for acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries and managing trust assets according to the terms of the trust document.

Unlike probate, trust administration happens privately without court involvement. But your responsibilities are no less serious. You must inventory assets, manage investments, file tax returns, handle distributions, and keep detailed records. You also have a duty to communicate with beneficiaries and keep them informed. Some trustees do this alone and do it perfectly. Many realize halfway through that they should have asked for help earlier.

Scott works with trustees to navigate their duties, make decisions with confidence, and ensure everything is done correctly — protecting both the beneficiaries and yourself.

Key Trustee Duties

Fiduciary Duty
Act solely in the beneficiaries' interests
Communication
Keep beneficiaries informed of trust activity
Investment Duty
Manage assets prudently and diversified
Accounting
Maintain records and prepare accountings
Tax Filings
File trust tax returns and handle taxes

Who Needs Trust Administration Help?

Named Trustees

You've been named trustee and need guidance on your responsibilities and how to fulfill them correctly.

Successor Trustees

The primary trustee has passed or resigned, and now it falls to you to manage the trust.

Special Needs Trusts

Managing a trust for a beneficiary with special needs requires specialized knowledge and careful compliance.

Unsure Trustees

You're managing a trust but uncertain about your duties or whether you're doing everything correctly.

What's Involved in Trust Administration

1

Review Trust Document

We review the trust together to understand the terms, your powers, and your specific duties as trustee.

2

Notify Beneficiaries

We help you provide proper notice to all beneficiaries and establish a communication plan going forward.

3

Inventory Trust Assets

We help identify and document all trust assets — real property, accounts, investments, personal property.

4

Handle Tax Filings

We file trust tax returns, obtain EINs, handle income tax obligations, and ensure compliance.

5

Make Distributions

We help you understand distribution requirements and make distributions according to the trust terms.

6

Prepare Accountings

We help you maintain records, prepare detailed accountings, and provide transparency to beneficiaries.

7

Close the Trust

When appropriate, we guide you through the final steps to close the trust and release yourself as trustee.

Related Services

Probate Administration

Similar to trust administration but for estates going through probate court — guidance on all your duties.

Learn More

Estate Planning

Create a clear, well-drafted trust so your successor trustee has an easy path to follow.

Learn More

Wills & Trusts

A well-drafted trust with clear terms makes administration much easier for your successor.

Learn More

Get the guidance you need

Managing a trust doesn't have to be stressful. Scott can answer your questions and guide you through every step.

Schedule Consultation