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Trust Administration That Takes Care of the People You Love
You want your family taken care of, not stuck in court, overwhelmed by paperwork, or left making big decisions during an emotional time.
That is where our team comes in.
Through our Generations program, we focus on building a long-term relationship with you and your family. We do more than create documents, we provide ongoing support so your loved ones know exactly who to turn to when the time comes.
What Is Trust Administration?
Trust administration is the process of carrying out the instructions of a trust after someone passes away or becomes incapacitated. It’s also sometimes called trust settlement, estate settlement, or trust management.
Even with a trust in place, there are still important legal and financial steps that need to happen. Someone needs to:
- Gather and value assets
- Notify beneficiaries
- Pay any debts, taxes, or expenses
- Retitle assets into new trusts if needed
- Make distributions according to the trust instructions
This is trust administration. And it’s where we come in.
Why Would You Need a Lynnfield Probate Attorney? Many Estate Plans Still End Up in Probate
We often hear from people who reach out looking for a probate attorney, frustrated and overwhelmed because they thought their existing estate plan would avoid probate.
That is why we do things differently.
At Family Estate Planning Law Group, our probate lawyers in Lynnfield focus on trust-based planning supported by an ongoing process, not just documents. We help ensure your assets are aligned with your plan, your trustees are prepared, and your family is not left navigating surprises alone.
What we do differently:
- We align your assets with your trust, so the plan actually works
- We verify changes with financial institutions, rather than leaving it up to you
- We update your plan over time through our Generations Client Care Program
- We prepare your family by including your trustees and key decision-makers before anything happens
Most estate plans fail at the exact moment they’re needed, not because of poor intentions, but because they weren’t maintained. We’re here to change that.
The Difference Is in the Way We Support Your Family
Most estate planning firms focus on documents. We focus on families.
Our process is designed to support your loved ones not just on paper, but in real life, especially during life’s most critical moments. We go beyond drafting trusts or explaining the law. We guide, educate, and walk alongside the people who will one day carry out your plan.
One way we do this is through our FamilyConnect meeting. This meeting brings your trustees, adult children, or other trusted individuals into the process early. They meet our team, understand the plan, and have the chance to ask questions before anything needs to be done.
So when something unexpected happens, like the passing of a loved one, your family already has a trusted guide. They are supported by people they know, with a clear plan and a team ready to walk with them through every step.
How We Help Families Navigate the Trust Administration Process
When the time comes, we support your trustees and loved ones by:
- Reviewing the trust and explaining what it means in plain language
- Identifying what assets are owned by the trust
- Gathering and verifying the value of those assets
- Helping retitle or transfer accounts and property as needed
- Coordinating with financial institutions and tax professionals
- Preparing estate tax filings if required
- Managing distributions to beneficiaries according to the trust instructions
- Answering questions and guiding decisions every step of the way
This is not a transaction, it’s an ongoing relationship. And it’s why our clients feel confident that their family will be taken care of when it matters most.
Trust Administration FAQs
What is trust administration and how does it work?
Trust administration is the process of managing and distributing a person’s assets after they pass away or become incapacitated, according to the instructions in their trust. It involves steps like identifying assets, paying debts and taxes, and making distributions to beneficiaries.
What happens if the trust was never updated?
If a trust was not updated, or if assets were never aligned with it—your family may face delays, confusion, or even probate. Through our Generations program, we help families keep their plans current and ensure everything works the way it was intended.
What is a trustee and what does a trustee do after someone dies?
A trustee is responsible for carrying out the instructions in the trust. This includes gathering and valuing assets, contacting beneficiaries, paying debts, filing any necessary tax returns, and distributing assets as outlined in the trust.
How long does trust administration take?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the estate, whether tax filings are needed, and how organized the assets are. With our support, most families can move through the process in a matter of months, not years.
What if I was named trustee and I’m not sure what to do?
You’re not alone. Most people have never served as a trustee before. Our team of trust administration lawyers in Lynnfield can help you understand your role, meet legal responsibilities, and make informed decisions along the way.
