Trust and Estate Administration

After a loved one passes away, a trusted family member may find himself or herself in the difficult position of being a trustee who is responsible for the proper administration of a trust.  Along with grieving for a loved one, the trustee has duties and guidelines that they must adhere to while managing complex legal, financial and family issues that may arise.

The task of reviewing the trust and finding, marshaling and valuing assets of a recently deceased family member can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. Everyone who acts as a trustee needs sound advice and experienced legal representation and guidance. There are many pitfalls and traps for the trustee who attempts to administer a trust without legal representation. Unfortunately, often times, those who try may unnecessarily subject themselves to claims for breach of trust or breach of fiduciary duty. We encourage you to contact the Velasco Law Group. Our lawyers are committed to helping you navigate the complex and highly technical requirements of trust administration.

Our trust services include:

• Advice regarding a trustee’s legal duties and obligations
• Interpretation of trust terms and provisions
• Ensuring beneficiaries, creditors and government agencies receive proper notices
• Assistance with identifying, marshaling and valuing trust assets
• Advice regarding trust investment decisions and proper distribution of trust assets
• Guidance and assistance in the sale of real property
• Preparation of a trustee’s report and account
• Advice, guidance and representation with respect to disputes among trust beneficiaries or between beneficiaries and the trustee
• Trust litigation and dispute resolution services if a dispute arises and the trust or trustee requires a vigorous defense
• Advice and representation in the preparation and filing of the Federal Estate Tax Return (IRS Form 706)

You can be confident that at our firm, you will receive highly personalized service from a dedicated and highly qualified trust law attorney. Our founding attorney, Paul D. Velasco, is certified as a specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization — a distinction held by less than one percent of all attorneys in California.

Whether you need help with trust administration or a trust dispute, you can rest assured that your legal matter will be handled with a high degree of competence and care at the Velasco Law Group.