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Trust Administration in California

Specialized trust administration representation by Sari Law Firm— part of our Estate Planning practice. Free consultation, transparent pricing, and clear communication at every step.

What is Trust Administration?

Trust administration is the work the successor trustee does after the original trustee's death or incapacity, accepting the trustee role, giving statutory notices to beneficiaries, gathering and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the trust property according to its terms. Unlike probate, trust administration generally does not involve a court, but it still has statutory deadlines and fiduciary-duty exposure.

When you might need this service

  • A loved one's revocable trust has become irrevocable on their death and you are the named successor trustee.
  • A trustee needs to give the 60-day California Probate Code §16061.7 notice to beneficiaries.
  • Beneficiaries are disputing trust terms, distributions, or trustee actions and the matter risks litigation.
  • A trust has been administered informally and the trustee needs to bring records and accountings current.

How Sari Law Firm helps

We guide successor trustees through California Probate Code requirements (notices, accountings, statute of limitations), draft and serve the §16061.7 notice and accountings, coordinate retitling and distribution of assets, defend trustee actions against beneficiary claims, and litigate trust disputes when they cannot be resolved otherwise. The goal is clean closure that protects the trustee from fiduciary-duty exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trust Administration.

The questions we field most often, answered the same way we'd answer them on a first call, without filler and without disclaimers that are not required.

Q.How much does trust administration cost?
A.After your free consultation we provide a written engagement letter with clear pricing. Many of these matters are flat-fee; complex situations are billed transparently by the hour.
Q.How long does the process take?
A.Most trust administration matters fall within Will in 2 weeks · Trust in 3–4 weeks · Probate 9–18 months. Your specific timeline depends on facts we discuss in the consultation.
Q.Do you serve my city?
A.Yes. We represent clients throughout California. See our city pages for local market context.
Q.Will I work directly with an attorney?
A.Yes. From the first call through resolution, you communicate directly with the attorney handling your matter, never a call center.

More within Estate Planning

Need help with trust administration?

Tell us your situation in a free consultation, we'll give you a clear path forward.

By Phone(949) 426-5071
By Emailinfo@sarilaw.us
In Person540 N Golden Circle Dr, Suite 303, Santa Ana
Free case evaluation