When a person establishes a trust they become known as the creator/trustor/grantor. After a trust is created, an administration process will occur either before or after the death of the grantor.
If a grantor becomes incapacitated or dies, the person they designated to be in charge of the trust (the designated trustee) will step in to manage the trust. Sometimes the designated trustee is a family member or friend, although it can also be a lawyer.
The tasks of trust administration may include:
- Dealing with potential sub-trust funding
- Sending required notices
- Completing asset inventories
- Transferring titles
- Preparing accountings
- Filing tax returns
- Making distributions.
In the case that a family member or friend is the designated trustee, we advise and assist them with all the tasks and decisions. This can reduce additional stress related to administration tasks that can occur while they may be grieving.
When we represent you as the trustee of a trust, the attorney fees are paid by the trust itself. If you are a beneficiary of a trust, we are also happy to represent you and help you understand, protect, and fight for your interests in a trust; note that you will personally pay the legal fees in that case.