Trust Administration
Losing someone you love is overwhelming on its own. Being asked to make legal and financial decisions that affect your family for years to come can add even more stress. If you’ve been named as a successor trustee, or asked to oversee the administration of a trust or estate, it’s important to understand the responsibilities before you begin—and to get clear legal guidance as early as possible.
Serving as a trustee in California comes with significant responsibility and potential personal liability. Most individuals appointed as trustees have little to no experience with the legal, financial, and administrative duties required to properly administer a trust. Without support from an experienced trust administration attorney, it’s easy to feel unsure about what to do next or worried about making a mistake.
Cheever Law, APC helps successor trustees navigate every step of California trust administration with clarity and confidence. We guide you through the required notices, accounting obligations, asset management, tax considerations, and beneficiary communications to ensure the trust is properly administered and all legal requirements are met.
Mistakes in trust administration can be costly. Improper accounting or mishandling of assets can lead to personal financial liability. Missed opportunities for tax or cost savings may reduce the value of the estate. And misunderstandings among beneficiaries can escalate into conflict or litigation. With the right counsel, these risks can be avoided—and the intentions of your loved one can be honored with care.
We work with you to:
- Identify and value trust assets
- Resolve outstanding debts and expenses
- Coordinate with your existing advisors and fiduciaries
- Communicate clearly with beneficiaries
- Minimize taxes and preserve trust assets
- Distribute property according to the trust’s instructions
- Avoid the errors that can expose you to personal liability
If no trust exists, or if the trust is incomplete, we can also guide you through the California probate process to ensure the estate is settled properly.
If you’ve been asked to administer an estate or serve as a trustee, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to support you, protect you from unnecessary risk, and help you move through this process with clarity and peace of mind. Contact us to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you during this difficult time.
