Trustee Duties

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Written and Reviewed by Experts: This article was created, edited and reviewed by trained editorial staff who specialize in translating complex legal topics into plain language.

The process of administering a trust can be broken down into the following steps: Gathering Assets, Payment of Debts and Expenses, and Distributing of Assets.

The process of administering a trust can be broken down into the following major steps.

Gathering Assets
The first substantial task of the successor trustee is to review the assets owned by the Trust and collect any additional assets that may flow into the Trust. This process includes reviewing records, submitting your Pour Over Will to probate (if necessary), taking physical custody of trust assets, and valuing the property. Unlike the probate process used in carrying out the terms of a Will, it is not necessary to file an inventory listing for a living trust.

Payment of Debts and Expenses
Before making distributions to the beneficiaries, the successor trustee must also determine what debts and expenses should be paid. The successor trustee is also responsible for resolving claims, successor trustee fees, attorney fees, filing death tax returns, and filing other tax returns. To pay these costs, it may be necessary for the successor trustee to liquidate assets. This authority is generally given to the trustee in the Living Trust.

Distributing of Assets
After the debts and expenses, including taxes, have been paid, the successor trustee needs to make proper distribution of the remaining assets. This is done through distributions to beneficiaries and establishing trust shares.

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Please note: This page offers general legal information, not but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.

Written and Reviewed by Experts: This article was created, edited and reviewed by trained editorial staff who specialize in translating complex legal topics into plain language.

At Rocket Lawyer, we believe legal information should be both reliable and easy to understand—so you don't need a law degree to feel informed. We follow a rigorous editorial policy to ensure every article is helpful, clear, and as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

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This article was written and reviewed by Rocket Lawyer editorial staff
This article was last reviewed or updated on Sep 23, 2022

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