Trust & Estate Administration

If you have recently been named Personal Representative of a Will, Successor Trustee of a Trust or Power of Attorney for someone who is incapacitated, you likely have many questions. We help trustees and representatives to simplify this process.

Whether a person left a will, a complete estate plan with a trust, or no planning at all, we will help the estate administration process go smoothly and efficiently. If a grantor left a Trust, we will work with the Trustee to provide efficient and private distribution of assets according to the grantor's wishes, avoiding the potential delays and costs associated with probate. 

Even small estates require assistance to transfer assets, obtain life insurance proceeds, file beneficiary claims, and obtain the benefits you are entitled to receive. Schedule a consultation with minimal conflict and stress and as little delay as possible.

FAQs

  • Trust administration is typically less formal and time-consuming than probate, as it does not involve court supervision in most cases. Trust administration refers to the process of managing and distributing the assets held within a trust after the passing of the trust grantor (the person who established the trust).

    The death or serious illness of a loved one is a difficult time. Whether you have been named successor trustee because someone became incapacitated or has passed away or named power of attorney, we know that this can be a difficult time.

    In addition to the uncertainty surrounding illness, injury, or mourning, a person’s financial affairs need to be handled appropriately. There are legal obligations that must be met and rules that must be followed. An experienced trust attorney is vital to help you through this time and simplify the process for you.

    As an experienced Trust Attorney in Washington, we can help whether a person left a will, a complete estate plan with a trust, or no planning at all. Even small estates require assistance to transfer assets, obtain life insurance proceeds, file beneficiary claims, and obtain the benefits you are entitled to receive.

  • The death or serious illness of a loved one is a difficult time. Whether you have been named successor trustee because someone became incapacitated or has passed away or named power of attorney, we are here to help.

    In addition to the uncertainty surrounding illness, injury, or mourning, a person’s financial affairs need to be handled appropriately. There are legal obligations that must be met and rules that must be followed. An experienced trust attorney is vital to help you through this time and simplify the process for you.

    The complexity of trust administration can vary depending on the nature and size of the trust. We will work with the Trustee to ensure proper management and compliance with legal requirements.

  • Trust administration typically involves these steps:

    1. Notification and Gathering of Documents: The trustee (the person responsible for managing the trust) notifies beneficiaries and gathers relevant documents, including the trust document, asset information, and the grantor's death certificate.

    2. Asset Inventory and Valuation: The trustee identifies, collects, and values all assets held in the trust, which may include real estate, investments, bank accounts, and personal property.

    3. Debt and Expense Settlement: The trustee pays any outstanding debts, expenses, or taxes owed by the trust using trust funds.

    4. Distribution to Beneficiaries: Following the terms of the trust document, the trustee distributes the remaining trust assets to the named beneficiaries.

    5. Record-Keeping and Reporting: Throughout the process, the trustee maintains detailed records of all transactions, distributions, and communications with beneficiaries.

    6. Legal Compliance: The trustee ensures that all actions taken during trust administration comply with state laws and the terms of the trust document.