Taking on the role of a successor trustee can be overwhelming, given the significant responsibilities and challenges involved. A Los Angeles trust lawyer provides the skills and guidance to diligently fulfill your duties. Furthermore, if conflicts arise and lead to litigation, you can rely on their support to protect the interests of the trust.
A Los Angeles Trust Lawyer Helps You Fulfill Your Duties
When a settlor dies, the successor trustee manages and safeguards the trust assets. This role can be daunting, especially if you need more legal knowledge and experience to take on these duties. However, a skilled trust lawyer can provide the necessary guidance to fulfill your fiduciary responsibilities effectively.
Here’s how an experienced trust attorney guides you in the following legal obligations of a successor trustee:
Fiduciary Duty
A trust lawyer helps you understand and uphold your fiduciary duty by ensuring loyalty and prioritizing beneficiaries’ interests. They offer advice on managing conflicts of interest and maintaining the highest level of trust and confidence.
Managing Trust Assets
A trust lawyer assists you in managing the trust’s assets, including investments and real estate. They guide you on prudent investment decisions, effective property management, and asset preservation. This support ensures your actions support long-term sustainability and legal compliance.
Record Keeping
To ensure proper record-keeping, a trust lawyer advises you on maintaining comprehensive and accurate records of all trust-related transactions and activities. This includes documenting financial transactions, asset valuations, and correspondence.
Tax Filing
A trust lawyer guides you through the trust’s tax obligations, helping you file accurate tax returns and report income and deductions. Their support ensures adherence to federal and state tax laws, maintaining the trust’s financial health and avoiding penalties.
Distributing Assets
When distributing assets, a trust lawyer helps you follow the trust’s terms and handle disputes. They ensure the distribution is timely, accurate, and in line with the grantor’s instructions.
Los Angeles Probate Attorneys: Your Legal Advocate
At Los Angeles Probate Attorneys, we are committed to offering exceptional legal representation to successor trustees. Our goal is to provide you with the support you need to handle both trust administration and potential disputes that may arise.