Trust Administration in California
Guiding trustees and families through every step of the trust administration process with clarity, care, and legal expertise.
What is Trust Administration
Trust administration is the legal process a successor trustee follows to manage and distribute a trust’s assets after the trust creator passes away or becomes incapacitated. In California, trustees must follow specific steps under the Probate Code, including notifying beneficiaries, safeguarding assets, paying valid debts and taxes, and making distributions according to the trust’s terms.
Handled properly, trust administration helps protect the estate’s value, avoid legal disputes, and carry out the trust creator’s wishes efficiently, often with more privacy and less time than the probate process.
Unlike probate, trust administration in California is not subject to statutory fee schedules, so trustees and attorneys can negotiate fees. This makes it more flexible and cost-efficient when properly structured.
Who This Helps
Trust administration benefits a wide range of people; not just those with large estates. It provides clarity for trustees, protects beneficiaries, and ensures the wishes of the trust creator are carried out as intended.
New Trustees
Guidance to navigate your legal duties and avoid costly mistakes.
Families Managing Multiple Properties or Investments
Organization and oversight to ensure all assets are handled properly.
Successor Trustee
Guidance to navigate your legal duties and avoid costly mistakes.
Blended Families
Clear instructions to prevent conflict and protect everyone’s interests.
Beneficiaries
Support in managing and distributing trust assets after the original trustee’s passing or incapacity.
Retirees & Seniors
Help passing on assets smoothly while minimizing stress for loved ones.
Why Choose Nickerson Law
Personalized Approach
Every family’s situation is unique, so your plan will be tailored to your needs.
Protection for Your Loved Ones
We make sure your family’s future is safe and your wishes are respected.
Decades of Legal Experience
We’ve been guiding families through estate planning and probate for years.
What Clients are Saying
Real feedback from families we’ve helped across the Inland Empire.
“Nickerson and his team are the true experts in their field and made my experience in Estate Planning a wonderful and super easy one. Everyone was also very nice and professional.”
- Abby, Temecula
“If I could give 10 stars I would. From start to finish – professional, kind, patient and understanding. Couldn’t have had a better experience”
- Cori, Temecula
“With Nickerson Law you are taken care of. They have the old school honesty, that comes from the heart. Thank you for everything! God Bless you and your family!”
- C Oettle, Murrieta
Ready to Protect Your Family’s Future?
Get started today with a personalized estate plan that fits your family’s needs.
Virtual consultations available. Evening appointments on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions California families most often ask when navigating trust administration.
Under the California Probate Code, trustees must administer the trust solely for beneficiaries’ benefit, preserve and securely control assets, avoid conflicts of interest, remain impartial between multiple beneficiaries, and act with care, skill, and prudence when investing or managing trust assets.
Yes. A successor trustee has 60 days from the settlor’s death or their acceptance of trusteeship, whichever is later, to notify all beneficiaries and heirs with key details like the trust name, trustee contact, and where the administration is taking place.
Absolutely. California law requires trustees to keep beneficiaries reasonably informed and provide periodic accountings detailing finances, expenses, and distributions.
Trustees may receive compensation as specified in the trust document. If no specific terms exist, the California Probate Code allows for a reasonable fee, often based on a percentage of trust assets or similar standards.
They may be. If the trust earns income over certain thresholds, such as over $10,000 of gross income or distributed income when the trustee or non‑contingent beneficiary is a California resident, the trustee must file California trust income tax returns
Yes. If a trustee fails to follow their fiduciary duties, such as mismanaging assets, favoring one beneficiary, or using trust funds improperly, they can be held personally liable under California law
You must formally accept the role, either in writing or by acting as trustee. If you don’t, you may legally be considered to have refused the role. It’s wise to formally accept to ensure a smooth transition and uphold legal requirements
Trust Administration Insights
Learn more with our latest articles and guides to help you make informed decisions for your family’s future.
A shocking Florida case exposed how a professional trustee allegedly stole over $100 million from families, including some with California trusts, by exploiting weaker oversight laws. Learn why California parents and retirees moving out-of-state must review their trust documents to avoid falling victim to similar schemes.
Serving as a trustee means managing a loved one’s assets, following strict legal duties, and making decisions in their best interest. From understanding the trust document to keeping meticulous records, this guide walks you through the essentials and offers tips for building a strong support team so you can confidently fulfill your role.
Will or trust? Which one really serves your family’s needs best? Explore how a will may be quick and affordable now, but risk delays, disputes, and court entanglements later, while a trust might cost a bit more upfront but offers faster, private asset transfers free from probate hassle.
Secure Your Legacy — Start Planning Today
Whether you’re protecting your children, preparing for retirement, or making sure your wishes are honored, the right plan makes all the difference.
Serving California families for over 20 years