Trust Administration
Guiding Trustees Through Every Step of Trust Administration — With Legal Clarity and Protection
If you’ve been named a trustee in California, you have serious legal duties. Mishandling even small steps in the trust administration process can result in liability, court disputes, or even removal as trustee. That’s why I work directly with trustees to manage the entire process — clearly, efficiently, and privately — from the day the trust becomes active to the final distribution of assets.
At Bainiwal Law, we help trustees carry out their responsibilities in compliance with California law, while minimizing risk and conflict with beneficiaries or co-trustees.
What Is Trust Administration in California?
Trust administration is the process of managing and distributing the assets of a trust after the death of the person who created it (the settlor). Even though the trust avoids probate, the trustee must still follow specific legal requirements under the California Probate Code — including providing formal notices, appraising assets, and distributing them properly.
Without proper legal guidance, trustees can easily violate their fiduciary duties, create distrust among beneficiaries, or open themselves up to personal liability. That’s where our firm comes in.
How We Help Trustees Fulfill Their Duties
As a California trust administration attorney, I represent trustees — not just to explain the rules, but to walk them through the process step by step. My goal is to protect the trustee by making sure every part of the trust administration is done correctly and on time.
I assist with:
Explaining the trustee’s fiduciary obligations
Preparing and sending legal notices to beneficiaries and government agencies
Gathering and identifying trust assets, including real estate and financial accounts
Preparing and recording property deeds with the county
Coordinating with CPAs and tax professionals for required returns
Preparing or reviewing accountings compliant with California Probate Code
Helping with distributions and proper trust closure
When I work with trustees, I aim to keep the entire process private and out of court, as intended by the trust.
Why Trust Administration Still Requires Legal Support
While most trusts are designed to avoid probate, they still require administration. Many trustees don’t realize that failing to send required notices, provide accountings, or handle assets properly can result in court involvement or legal challenges by beneficiaries.
Some of the most common mistakes I see include:
Failing to notify all beneficiaries and heirs
Not appraising or inventorying assets properly
Conflict between co-trustees
Miscommunication that leads to beneficiary distrust
Delays in distributing assets
Missing key tax deadlines
These issues can lead to unnecessary disputes, formal trust litigation, or financial penalties for the trustee. I help you avoid all of that by handling things correctly from the start.
Trust Administration Should Stay Private — If Done Right
One of the key benefits of having a trust is avoiding probate court. But if a trustee neglects their responsibilities or mismanages assets, beneficiaries can file petitions to force court supervision.
By working with a California trust administration lawyer from the beginning, you greatly reduce the risk of ending up in litigation. My focus is on protecting the trustee — legally, financially, and personally.
Communication Is Critical — and I Keep It Open
Many trust disputes don’t start because someone acted in bad faith. They start because no one explained what was going on. As an attorney, I make sure the trustee knows what’s expected — and that beneficiaries are properly informed. Clear communication helps prevent the appearance of wrongdoing and keeps the process calm, fair, and professional.
Why Trustees Choose Bainiwal Law
I provide hands-on, responsive legal support to trustees throughout California. My approach is client-centered, clear, and tailored to your situation. Whether you’re dealing with a straightforward family trust or a more complex estate, I help you avoid mistakes, meet your legal duties, and close out the trust with confidence.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re a trustee in California and want to do things the right way — from notices to final distributions — I’m here to help.
[Schedule Your Trust Administration Consultation]