Trust Administration Process in California for Successor Trustees

First Steps After a Settlor’s Death

Locate the trust and amendments, order death certificates, secure the residence, and contact counsel. California requires trustees to send formal 60-day notices to beneficiaries and legal heirs—even those not receiving a share. You may also need to notify the assessor about transfers and Prop 19 status, then obtain a tax ID for the trust. If minor children are involved, coordinate with the kids protection plan to keep caretaking and finances aligned.

Inventory and Value Trust Assets

Identify bank/investment accounts, real estate, business interests, and personal property titled in the trust. For date-of-death values, trustees often order appraisals for real property in Woodland Hills, Encino, and nearby communities. If assets were left outside the trust, a pour-over will or small-estate process may be needed—your counsel will coordinate any parallel probate steps with the california probate process timeline.

Manage, Pay, and Report

Trustees have fiduciary duties: invest prudently, keep assets insured, pay valid expenses, and track income/expenses. File final personal income taxes for the decedent and, if needed, fiduciary income taxes for the trust. Continuing trusts—like a personal asset trust for an adult child—must be funded and administered per the document.

Distributions and Closing the Trust

Follow the trust’s instructions for outright gifts and ongoing trusts, obtain receipts/releases, and retitle real property or brokerage accounts as required. With clear records and proper notices, most California trust administrations conclude without court hearings. The Estate Planning & Elder Law Firm guides trustees through each step so families can focus on healing.