Estate and Trust Administration

After the loss of a loved one, their estate needs to be administered in order for their real estate, bank and investment accounts, and personal belongings to be given to the next generation. Estate administration involves gathering the assets of the estate, paying the decedent’s debts, and distributing the remaining assets. If you are the executor of a Will or successor trustee of a Trust, we can help you navigate the process of settling the estate or even handle it all for you.

The administration of an estate is influenced by several factors including the value of assets that are in the estate, how they were titled, and the amount of planning that was done prior to the death of a loved one.

If there was a revocable trust in place there are requirements to administer the trust, these requirements are in the actual trust document itself along with statutory requirements from the Arizona trust code. You may need a Trust Administration.

If there is not a trust or if there are assets that were not titled in the name of the trust, a probate may be necessary to collect the assets of the estate.

What is Trust Administration?

Trust administration involves overseeing the distribution of assets that are held within a trust to the beneficiaries.

If the estate plan of a loved one who passes away included a trust, there are legal documents to be prepared, forms to be filed, and other matters that take time and cost money. At Rilus Law, we provide the services that are necessary and appropriate to administer trusts under the laws of the State of Arizona. Our normal trust administration services include the following:

  • Advise you with respect to your fiduciary duties as trustee and help you to collect, protect, and distribute assets.

  • Assist you in determining the cost basis and date-of-death values of the assets.

  • Prepare a complete inventory of the assets and determine whether there are any assets that will require collection through a probate proceeding.

  • Prepare and complete all reports and notices to the beneficiaries as required by the terms of the trust, state law, and federal law.

  • Discharge any potential creditor claims pursuant to state law.

  • If necessary, create sub-trusts for the beneficiaries of the trust.

  • Help administer any retirement accounts (IRAs, 401ks, etc.) and help you get the maximum tax benefit possible.

  • Assist in making distributions to the beneficiaries named in the trust.

  • Obtain the necessary releases from each beneficiary to protect the trustee from potential fiduciary liability.

  • Prepare the required reports, notices, consents, receipts, waivers, releases, and accountings for closing the administration and discharging you as a fiduciary.

  • Provide counsel and advice on any related questions or matters arising out of the administration of the trust.

What to Do if You’re a Successor Trustee

If you find yourself as the successor trustee of a loved one’s trust, whether it was an expected role or a surprise, you now have a significant responsibility of overseeing and protecting the wishes of someone you care about deeply. It is truly an honor, reflecting the immense trust placed in you.

If you're wondering what steps to take in this new role, to assist you, we have prepared a comprehensive Free Trustee Toolkit. This valuable resource equips you with all the essential information and tools you need to confidently fulfill your duties as a trustee. It will guide you through the process, ensuring you can manage the responsibilities effectively and safeguard the interests of the trust and its beneficiaries. Click here to learn more or download this free resource today.

You Don’t Have to Handle Estate or Trust Administration Alone.

Both estate administration and trust administration can be complicated and confusing. Contact us today to schedule your free one-hour meeting with an attorney to assess your estate administration needs and find the peace of mind you’re looking for.

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • “My parents worked with Rilus Law to set up a will and trust in 2019. The entire process was smooth and professional. Little did we know that we would have to invoke the will after my father's passing a few short years after the setup. Rilus assisted and educated us during the process. I recommend Rilus and the rest of the team for your legal needs.”

    Supreet N.

  • “I worked with Rilus Law for some legal advice on the administration of my father's estate. From the moment I reached out to them, they were very helpful, compassionate, and responsive. I felt as though I was in very capable hands during a time when I needed it the most. I would highly recommend Rilus Law for any estate planning or estate administration.”

    Megan E.

  • “I worked primarily with Lori Bradford, paralegal. She was very easy to work with, knows all that is needed for settling an estate. She is personable and competent. Everyone at this office is friendly and accommodating.”

    Mary C.

  • “Would highly recommend Rilus Law for estate planning and probate. Rilus Dana and paralegal Lori Bradford were very professional and explained the estate planning and probate process in great detail and were very responsive in answering questions and preparing the documents to settle my father's estate and set up a Trust, Living Will, and Power of Attorney documents for my mother.”

    Sandy A.

  • “I called them from Houston, TX with questions regarding my father-in-law’s estate there in Mesa. They took their time to go through different scenarios with me and had quick and honest answers to all of my questions regarding the law and if we had a good case. Should I, or anyone I know in Arizona, need a great probate or estate planning attorney, I recommend Rilus Law. 5 stars for sure!”

    Jennifer T.