As a named trustee, it will be to your benefit to seek legal advice, as the trust will have to be administered in compliance with its own terms and with California state law. DLK will help you through this process and ensure that your responsibilities are met. This includes notifying beneficiaries, gathering assets, and consulting with financial advisors regarding the preparation of estate tax returns.
In cases where the decedent had a trust, the assets held in that trust do not have to pass through probate. However, probate may be required when the decedent did not have a trust, or for those assets which were not included in the trust. The probate process involves transferring property and assets, paying the debts of the estate, and notifying beneficiaries. Probate court is also the forum through which will contests, trust contests, or fiduciary challenges regarding the estate are settled. DLK represents executors of estates in the probate process, as well as clients involved in probate and trust litigation.
See also:
Beneficiary Representation
Conservatorships
Probate
Trust Administration
