Guiding Trustees Through the Administration of Revocable Living Trusts in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County
Many people create revocable living trusts to avoid probate and provide for a smooth transfer of assets after death. However, the trust still requires proper administration once the grantor passes away. At Collins Probate Law, we help trustees fulfill their duties efficiently and in full compliance with Florida law.
Whether you are serving as trustee for the first time or need assistance managing a complex trust, our team provides clear guidance from start to finish. We handle the legal requirements, communicate with beneficiaries, manage assets, and work to carry out the grantor’s wishes with care and professionalism.
Key Steps in Trust Administration After Death
- Review the Trust Document — We carefully review the trust terms to understand the grantor’s intentions and the trustee’s specific powers and responsibilities.
- Inventory Trust Assets — We identify, value, and document all assets held in the trust, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property.
- Notify Beneficiaries — Florida law requires trustees to provide formal notice to beneficiaries within a specific timeframe after the grantor’s death.
- Pay Debts and Expenses — We handle payment of the grantor’s final debts, funeral expenses, and ongoing trust administration costs from trust assets.
- File Required Tax Returns — We assist with the grantor’s final income tax return and any trust tax filings that may be required.
- Distribute Assets to Beneficiaries — Once all obligations are met, we distribute the remaining trust assets according to the terms of the trust.
- Prepare Final Accounting — We create a clear and transparent final accounting for beneficiaries and formally close the trust administration.
