A revocable living trust is a practical estate planning tool that helps individuals in Mayflower Village manage assets during life and provide for an orderly transfer at death. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman we assist residents with trust formation, funding, and administration so that families can reduce uncertainty and simplify probate avoidance. A living trust can be updated or revoked while you are alive, offering flexibility as circumstances change. We focus on clear communication, careful drafting, and a personalized approach tailored to your family situation and financial arrangements to protect loved ones and property.
Choosing the right approach to estate planning involves understanding how a revocable living trust interacts with wills, powers of attorney, health directives, and beneficiary designations. Our practice helps clients in Mayflower Village coordinate these documents so assets flow as intended and decisions can be made by trusted agents if you become unable to act. We explain the benefits and tradeoffs of trusts and complementary documents, review retirement accounts and real property for proper funding, and help document guardian nominations for minor children. Clear, practical planning helps reduce conflict and preserve family relationships during transitions.
A revocable living trust provides several advantages that matter to many families in Mayflower Village. It commonly avoids probate for assets placed in the trust, which can save time and reduce public exposure of estate details. It permits a smooth management plan if incapacity occurs, because a successor trustee can step in without court intervention. Trusts also allow tailored distribution terms, protecting beneficiaries and preserving privacy. While not always necessary for every estate, a well-drafted trust aligns asset management with personal goals, helps maintain continuity, and can be adjusted as family or financial circumstances evolve over time.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides estate planning services to residents of Mayflower Village and surrounding communities. Our practice focuses on practical, client-centered planning that addresses wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. We take time to learn each client’s priorities and design documents that reflect those goals while reducing delays and uncertainty for families. Communication is a priority; clients receive clear explanations of options and anticipated outcomes. We assist with funding trusts, preparing supporting documents such as certifications of trust, and guiding families through post-death trustee responsibilities.
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement in which the trust maker places assets under a trustee’s management for the benefit of named beneficiaries. While the trust maker retains the right to modify or revoke the trust during life, the trust becomes a vehicle for handling assets if the maker becomes incapacitated or dies. The trust document names successor trustees, describes how assets should be managed and distributed, and can address tax planning, creditor considerations, and ongoing care for dependents. Proper funding of the trust—transferring titles and updating account beneficiaries—is essential to achieve the intended results.
When creating a revocable living trust, it is important to coordinate with related documents such as a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives. A pour-over will ensures any assets not transferred to the trust during life are directed into the trust at death. Powers of attorney permit trusted agents to make financial or health decisions if you cannot act. Together, these documents create a comprehensive plan that addresses management, decision-making, and asset transfers, while giving you flexibility to update provisions as family circumstances and financial realities change.
A revocable living trust is an estate planning instrument created during the trust maker’s lifetime that can be altered or revoked at any time while the maker is competent. It designates a trustee to manage trust property for beneficiaries according to the trust terms. During the maker’s life, the maker often serves as trustee and retains control over assets. The trust becomes particularly useful for continuity if incapacity occurs because a successor trustee can manage assets without court oversight. At death, the trust directs distributions according to instructions in the document and may avoid the formal probate process for trust assets.
Forming a revocable living trust typically involves identifying assets to fund the trust, drafting clear trust provisions, naming trustees and beneficiaries, and preparing supporting documents such as a pour-over will and powers of attorney. Funding the trust means retitling property, updating account owners or beneficiary designations, and recording deeds for real property when appropriate. The trust document should address successor trustee authority, distribution terms, and provisions for incapacity. Once in place, periodic review is important to ensure the trust reflects current wishes and legal or financial changes, so distributions and administration proceed as intended.
Understanding common terms helps demystify the planning process. This glossary explains language you will encounter in trust documents and related estate planning paperwork. Familiarity with terms such as trustee, beneficiary, funding, pour-over will, and durable power of attorney makes it easier to make informed decisions and to communicate planning goals. Clear definitions reduce misunderstandings and help family members and fiduciaries follow your intentions. We provide plain-language explanations and are available to discuss how each term applies to your individual plan and assets in Mayflower Village.
A trustee is the person or entity responsible for holding and managing trust assets for the benefit of the trust’s beneficiaries. The trust maker often serves as initial trustee and retains control during life. The trust document names one or more successor trustees who will step in if the initial trustee becomes unable to act or passes away. Trustee duties include managing investments, paying expenses, communicating with beneficiaries, and making distributions according to the trust terms. Choosing a trustworthy successor and providing clear instructions helps ensure the trust functions smoothly when activated.
Funding the trust means transferring ownership of assets into the name of the trust so the trust controls them. This may include re-titling real estate deeds, changing account registration for bank and investment accounts, and designating the trust as owner or beneficiary of certain assets. Proper funding is critical because assets not moved into the trust may still require probate. The process often requires coordination with financial institutions and careful documentation to avoid unintended tax or ownership consequences. Funding steps should be documented so assets are clearly identified as trust property.
A pour-over will is a companion document to a living trust that ensures any assets not transferred into the trust during the trust maker’s life are directed into the trust at death. It acts as a safety net to capture overlooked property and funnel it into the trust for distribution according to the trust’s terms. While a pour-over will still goes through probate for the assets it covers, it simplifies administration by consolidating distribution instructions within the trust and helps ensure assets are managed consistently with the maker’s overall plan.
A durable power of attorney is a legal document that appoints a trusted person to handle financial and legal matters on behalf of the principal if the principal is unable to act. The durable nature of this power means it remains effective during periods of incapacity. It is an important complement to a living trust because it enables third-party management of assets that are not held in the trust and facilitates bill paying, tax filings, and financial decision-making without court involvement. Careful selection of the agent and clear instructions support responsible management.
Deciding between a living trust, a will, or a combination of documents depends on goals, estate size, and family considerations. A will is a straightforward way to name beneficiaries and guardians but typically requires probate to transfer assets at death. A revocable living trust can avoid probate for assets properly funded to the trust and provides a plan for incapacity, though it requires more initial administrative work to fund. Powers of attorney and advance health care directives address decision-making during incapacity. Matching tools to your priorities produces a cohesive plan that balances privacy, cost, and control.
A limited approach centered on a will, basic powers of attorney, and an advance health care directive can be sufficient when assets are modest and heirs are in agreement about distribution. In cases where property is largely held with named beneficiaries, such as certain retirement accounts or payable-on-death bank accounts, probate may be minimal or unnecessary. Choosing a streamlined plan reduces upfront complexity and cost while still addressing guardianship nominations and incapacity planning. Even with a limited plan it is sensible to review beneficiary designations and alignment of documents periodically to avoid unintended outcomes.
When family dynamics are straightforward and distribution intentions are simple, a will plus supporting documents may deliver outcomes with less effort than a trust. A pour-over will can serve as a backup for any assets not transferred to a trust, but where probate is unlikely to be burdensome, families often prefer a simpler planning path. Even in these circumstances, having powers of attorney and healthcare directives ensures decision-making continuity. Periodic review keeps the plan aligned with life changes, such as marriage, birth, or changes in asset ownership that could affect distribution.
A comprehensive trust-based plan is often chosen by families seeking to avoid the public process of probate and to keep details of their estate private. When assets are titled to a revocable living trust, successor trustees can transfer or manage assets without formal probate proceedings, which can reduce delay and public exposure. This approach is also useful for households with real estate, business interests, or multiple account types that would otherwise require separate probate administration. Thoughtful trust drafting and funding provide a structured framework for distribution and privacy protection.
Comprehensive planning is beneficial for families with blended relationships, dependents with special needs, or complicated asset mixes such as multiple real properties and retirement accounts. Trusts can include provisions that control timing and conditions of distributions, provide for management of assets for minor beneficiaries, and preserve benefits for those receiving public assistance when done properly. A full planning process coordinates trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations so the entire plan works together to address tax, management, and family-safety objectives as circumstances evolve.
A comprehensive trust-centered estate plan coordinates document drafting, asset titling, and beneficiary designations to create a predictable approach to asset management and distribution. This coordination helps reduce the risk that assets will be overlooked or distributed contrary to your intentions. It also sets out clear authority for trusted agents to manage finances and health decisions if incapacity occurs, enabling continuity without court involvement. Comprehensive planning reduces the administrative burden on loved ones, clarifies responsibilities, and can protect beneficiaries from delays and unnecessary expenses during transition.
Beyond probate avoidance, a full plan allows customization to reflect your priorities for how and when beneficiaries receive distributions, whether to provide staged inheritances, lifetime support, or protections for vulnerable beneficiaries. Trusts and related documents can incorporate instructions for business succession, charitable gifts, and caring for pets or special needs family members. When documents are prepared and funding tasks completed, family members have clear guidance, reducing conflict and uncertainty while preserving the maker’s intentions over time.
One major advantage of a trust-based plan is continuity of asset management if the trust maker becomes incapacitated. A successor trustee can step in immediately to manage finances, pay bills, and oversee property without the need for a court-ordered conservatorship. This transition helps maintain financial stability for the household and reduces administrative delays. Clear instructions in the documents guide decision-making, and pairing the trust with durable powers of attorney and health care directives ensures that personal and medical decisions are also covered in a coordinated fashion.
A trust-centered plan often preserves privacy because trust administration generally occurs outside public probate proceedings. This can protect sensitive financial information and family details from becoming public. Efficient administration through a funded trust reduces costs and delays for beneficiaries by eliminating or minimizing probate responsibilities. When trustees have clear directions and documentation in order, the settlement process moves more quickly and with less friction. That efficiency benefits surviving family members who must focus on personal matters rather than complex legal procedures.
Begin by creating an organized inventory of assets, account statements, deeds, titles, and beneficiary designations. Include retirement accounts, life insurance policies, bank accounts, investment accounts, and real property. Prioritizing which assets to place in a revocable living trust helps streamline the funding process and clarifies whether a trust or a simpler will-based plan is most appropriate. Having documentation ready also saves time during planning meetings and makes it easier to prepare deeds and account transfer forms when formalizing the trust structure.
If you have minor children or dependents who require ongoing care, clearly document guardianship nominations and detailed care instructions. Guardianship nominations in a will indicate your preferences for who should care for minor children, while trust provisions can provide for financial support and management of assets for those children. Including health care directives, HIPAA authorizations, and powers of attorney ensures decision-makers have legal authority to carry out your wishes. Detailed documentation reduces ambiguity and helps loved ones implement your plan effectively.
Consider a revocable living trust if you wish to reduce the potential delay and expense of probate for assets you own, desire more privacy for your estate affairs, or want a clear plan for managing assets during incapacity. Trusts are often helpful for homeowners, those with multiple properties, and families who wish to control the timing of distributions to beneficiaries. Additionally, if you have concerns about family dynamics, want to provide for a dependent with special needs, or prefer a seamless transition of management to a trusted successor, a trust can be tailored to address these objectives.
A trust can also be useful for business owners who need continuity planning, individuals with significant investment portfolios, and those who prefer to minimize court involvement after death. While trusts require initial effort to fund and maintain, the benefits of smoother administration, privacy, and a comprehensive incapacity plan frequently outweigh those upfront tasks. We advise clients to weigh the costs and benefits in light of their family structure and assets to determine whether a trust-based plan or a more limited will-based plan best meets their needs.
Many clients choose revocable living trusts when they have real estate holdings, blended family considerations, minor children, or beneficiaries who may need managed distributions. Trusts are also common when privacy is a priority or when clients seek a plan that covers incapacity without court involvement. Business owners and individuals with complex asset structures often favor trusts to coordinate ownership and succession. In cases where avoiding probate is important to preserve assets and reduce delay for heirs, funding a trust becomes a practical planning step.
Owners of real property frequently place deeds into a revocable living trust to facilitate management and transfer at death or during incapacity. Real estate often requires probate if left solely in an individual’s name, so retitling into a trust can avoid that process for the property held by the trust. This approach can be especially helpful for families who want a successor trustee to manage rental properties, sell property, or distribute real estate according to specified timing and conditions. Proper recording and documentation are required to ensure the transfer is legally effective.
Blended families with step-children or multiple marriages commonly use trusts to ensure assets are distributed according to the maker’s wishes while providing for a surviving spouse and preserving assets for children from prior relationships. Trust provisions can balance lifetime support with long-term distribution plans to beneficiaries named by the trust maker. Using a trust allows detailed instructions for management and timing of distributions, reducing the risk of disputes and aligning outcomes with the family’s long-term intentions for asset protection and fairness.
Families with beneficiaries who have special needs or who require protection from creditors or poor financial decisions often establish trusts to provide for care while preserving eligibility for government benefits where needed. Trust terms can appoint a trustee to manage funds, establish distribution guidelines for day-to-day support and medical care, and include successor trustees for ongoing oversight. Properly structured trusts help balance the beneficiary’s needs with financial protection, and careful drafting minimizes unintended impacts on eligibility for public assistance programs.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves clients in Mayflower Village and nearby communities with estate planning needs tailored to California law. We assist with living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, and we provide practical guidance on funding trusts and coordinating beneficiary designations. Our approach emphasizes clear explanation and hands-on assistance so that clients understand their options and the steps required to implement their plan. Whether you need to draft new documents or update existing ones, we offer attentive support through the planning and funding process.
Clients choose the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman for a practical, client-focused approach that prioritizes clear communication and careful drafting. We take time to understand family dynamics, financial arrangements, and long-term goals so the living trust and supporting documents reflect what matters most. Our process includes a detailed review of assets, assistance with funding the trust, preparation of a pour-over will and powers of attorney, and guidance for successor fiduciaries. We strive to make planning accessible, understandable, and tailored to each client’s unique situation.
We are committed to helping clients create plans that reduce uncertainty and ease the burden on loved ones. That commitment includes providing practical strategies for maintaining privacy, clarifying trustee duties, and minimizing unnecessary court involvement. We document instructions thoroughly and provide clear copies and explanatory materials for trustees and family members. Clients benefit from consistent communication, careful attention to details such as deed transfers and beneficiary alignments, and ongoing availability to answer questions throughout the planning and funding stages.
Our goal is to help clients achieve durable, flexible plans that can be updated as life changes occur. We explain the legal and administrative steps required to make a trust effective, assist with recordkeeping, and guide trustees through initial post-death responsibilities. Whether you are starting from scratch or revising an older plan, we help identify potential gaps and recommend solutions that reflect current California law and practical experience managing client matters. We also provide referrals to complementary professionals when specialized tax or financial advice is necessary.
Our process begins with a confidential consultation to review family goals, assets, and concerns. We then prepare a tailored trust and supporting documents, explain the steps to fund the trust, and provide execution instructions. After documents are signed, we assist with transfer forms and deed preparation where necessary to place assets in the trust. We remain available to answer questions and provide trustees and families with guidance on administration, recordkeeping, and distribution. Periodic reviews help ensure documents remain aligned with changing circumstances and legal developments.
The first step is a detailed planning session to gather information about assets, family relationships, and client objectives. We discuss who will serve as trustee and successor trustees, whether staged distributions are desired, and any specific needs for dependents or charitable gifts. This conversation informs the structure of the trust and the complementary documents needed. We also explain the funding process and identify which assets require retitling or beneficiary updates. Clear planning at the outset reduces the need for later revisions and helps ensure the documents match your intentions.
During discovery we catalog real property, financial accounts, retirement plans, life insurance policies, and business interests. We review existing wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations to detect inconsistencies or potential gaps. This inventorying step helps prioritize funding tasks and clarifies whether certain assets should remain outside the trust. The process also identifies items that require deed preparation or institutional forms to achieve effective transfer. Thorough documentation at this stage prevents overlooked assets and reduces the chance of probate or administrative complications later.
After identifying assets and priorities, we work with clients to set clear goals for distribution timing, trustee authority, and provisions for incapacity. These instructions guide the drafting of trust provisions and related documents such as the pour-over will and powers of attorney. We explain how different clauses function and the practical effects of options such as discretionary distributions or spendthrift protections. Clear drafting reduces ambiguity for trustees and beneficiaries and helps ensure the plan operates as intended when it is needed most.
Once instructions are finalized, we prepare the trust document and supporting paperwork, review drafts with clients, and arrange for proper execution. Execution typically involves signing the trust and will in accordance with California formalities, and obtaining notarizations and witnesses as required. We provide clear instructions for executing deeds, beneficiary forms, and account retitling. After signing, we deliver finalized documents and provide guidance on where to keep originals and copies so trustees and agents can readily access the documents if needed.
Preparing deeds and account transfer forms is a key part of the execution process because proper funding ensures the trust operates as intended. We prepare grant deeds, coordinate notary and recording requirements, and assist with account transfer forms for banks and brokerages. Some institutions require specific language or documentation to accept trust ownership, so we manage those communications when possible. Accurate completion of these tasks reduces the likelihood that assets will remain outside the trust and subject to probate.
In addition to the trust, we finalize supporting documents such as a pour-over will, durable powers of attorney, advance health care directives, HIPAA authorizations, and guardianship nominations. These documents work together to address incapacity and ensure any overlooked assets are handled according to your plan. We provide clear copies and execution instructions for your records and discuss practical steps for communicating the plan to trustees and family members where appropriate. Proper documentation reduces confusion during critical moments.
Following execution, we assist with funding tasks and perform a final review to confirm that deeds have recorded and accounts have been retitled as needed. We recommend maintaining an updated inventory and reviewing beneficiary designations periodically. Life events such as marriage, divorce, births, or changes in financial circumstances may require updates to the trust or beneficiary designations. Regular reviews help ensure the plan remains current and effective, reducing the likelihood of unintended outcomes for your heirs and appointed fiduciaries.
Ongoing maintenance includes reviewing the trust periodically, updating provisions to reflect changes in family or financial situations, and coordinating with tax or financial advisors when necessary. We recommend checking beneficiary designations and account registrations after major life events and confirming that trustees have copies of relevant documents. Periodic updates help sustain the plan’s effectiveness and prevent conflicts among heirs. Proper maintenance ensures that the living trust continues to serve its purpose as circumstances evolve over time.
If a trust maker passes away, we provide guidance to successor trustees on initial duties such as identifying trust assets, paying expenses and taxes, notifying beneficiaries, and distributing property according to trust terms. Trustees often face administrative tasks that can be unfamiliar or time-consuming; our role is to explain the obligations, available options, and timelines for various actions. Practical support helps trustees meet fiduciary responsibilities while minimizing disputes and ensuring distributions follow the maker’s instructions.
A will is a document that directs how property titled in your name will be distributed at death and can name guardians for minor children. A will generally requires probate to transfer assets to beneficiaries, which is a public court process. A revocable living trust, in contrast, is created during your lifetime and can hold title to assets so that those assets are managed and distributed by the trustee without probate. The trust can also include provisions for incapacity, allowing a successor trustee to step in and handle affairs without court intervention. Together, trusts and wills can form a comprehensive plan that addresses both asset distribution and guardianship nominations. Many people use a pour-over will alongside a living trust to capture any assets not retitled into the trust during lifetime so they will be transferred into the trust at death. While the pour-over will may still pass through probate for those assets, the trust becomes the primary instrument governing distribution for properly funded property. Choosing the appropriate combination depends on family circumstances, the types of assets owned, and preferences for privacy and administrative ease.
Funding a trust involves transferring the title of assets into the trust’s name. For real property this typically means preparing and recording a grant deed that conveys the property to the trust. For bank and brokerage accounts you will work with the institutions to change registration or complete transfer forms. Retirement accounts often remain in individual name until death, but beneficiary designations should be reviewed and aligned with the plan. Life insurance policies may require designation of the trust as a beneficiary if consistent with your goals. Funding also requires careful documentation to avoid tax or ownership complications. We help clients identify which assets should be moved, prepare necessary deeds and account forms, and communicate with institutions as needed. Maintaining an inventory of funded assets and confirmations of completed transfers ensures the trust functions as intended and reduces the chance that assets will remain outside of the trust at the time of incapacity or death.
A revocable living trust typically does not provide immediate estate tax reduction because the trust maker retains control and can revoke the trust during life. For most estates below federal and state exemption thresholds, estate tax planning features may not be necessary. However, trusts can be drafted with additional provisions or combined with irrevocable arrangements to address tax considerations for larger estates. Determining whether tax-focused planning is appropriate requires analysis of asset values, potential tax liabilities, and long-term goals for wealth transfer. If tax concerns are significant, we coordinate with qualified tax advisers to design trust provisions or complementary instruments that address estate and gift tax considerations. Proper planning may involve separate irrevocable vehicles or lifetime gifting strategies. We explain the potential tax consequences and help identify a path that aligns with your financial objectives while complying with applicable tax rules.
Yes, a revocable living trust can generally be changed or revoked by the trust maker at any time while they are competent, which is one of the plan’s main advantages. This flexibility allows you to respond to changes in family circumstances, financial conditions, or personal preferences. Amendments can range from small changes in beneficiaries or trustees to complete revocation and reformation. When making amendments or revocations, it is important to follow the formalities required by the trust document and California law so changes are effective and documented. While revocability provides flexibility, note that certain goals, such as creditor protection or some tax strategies, typically require irrevocable arrangements. We advise clients on the implications of amendments and revocations and maintain clear records of executed changes. Periodic reviews ensure the trust remains aligned with current wishes and legal developments, and we assist with proper documentation to avoid disputes later.
Yes, even if you have a living trust, a will remains important as a backstop. A pour-over will accompanies a revocable trust and directs any assets not transferred into the trust during lifetime to the trust at death. The will also serves to nominate guardians for minor children and to handle matters that fall outside the trust’s scope. Because some assets may unintentionally remain outside a trust, the pour-over will ensures they are handled in accordance with your overall plan rather than being distributed without guidance. Maintaining both a trust and a complementary will offers a comprehensive approach that handles both titled assets and guardianship nominations. We help clients prepare both documents and advise on funding the trust to minimize the assets that must pass through probate. The combination offers a practical, coordinated path for managing assets and family arrangements.
A successor trustee named in the trust document is authorized to step in and manage trust assets if the trust maker becomes incapacitated, without the need for court appointment. The trust typically specifies triggering conditions for succession and outlines the successoriduciary’s authority to pay bills, manage investments, and oversee property. This arrangement avoids the delays and public process of a conservatorship and provides continuity of financial management during difficult times for the family. To ensure a smooth transition, it is helpful to provide the successor trustee with access to the trust documentation, account information, and guidance on where originals are kept. We assist clients in preparing clear instructions and advising trustees on their duties and recordkeeping obligations so they can fulfill their role with confidence when called upon to act.
Placing a home into a revocable living trust typically does not alter the mortgage obligation; the homeowner remains responsible for payments and the lender’s terms generally remain in force. Some mortgage agreements have due-on-sale clauses, but federal law limits enforcement in certain trust transfers for estate planning purposes. Transferring a property into a trust can change how the title is held and may trigger paperwork or recording requirements, and it is wise to notify the lender and confirm any institution-specific requirements. Regarding taxes, transfer into a revocable trust generally does not change property tax assessments under California law because the transfer is to the same beneficial owner. However, changes in ownership outside of trust transfers could affect reassessment. It is prudent to verify local recording and tax implications before transferring real property and to ensure deeds and records are properly prepared and recorded.
A revocable living trust does not generally provide protection from creditors during the trust maker’s lifetime because the maker retains control and can revoke the trust. For creditor protection, irrevocable trusts or other structures may be more effective, but those come with reduced control and permanence. The appropriateness of creditor protection strategies depends on the nature of potential claims, the timing of transfers, and applicable law. For many clients, the trust’s primary benefits relate to management, continuity, and probate avoidance rather than creditor insulation. When creditor concerns exist, we discuss alternatives and coordinate with financial and tax professionals to evaluate options. In some circumstances, strategic planning over time, including certain irrevocable arrangements and proper timing, can provide greater protection while balancing ongoing control and family goals. We provide candid guidance on realistic outcomes and legal limitations.
Naming guardians for minor children is typically done in a will, where you specify the person or persons you prefer to serve as guardian for your children if both parents are unable to care for them. A will with clear guardianship nominations helps guide the court and avoids leaving the decision solely to the court system. In addition to naming guardians, it is wise to provide instructions about who should manage finances for the children, which can be handled through trust provisions or appointed fiduciaries designed to hold and manage assets for the childrens benefit. Guardianship nominations should be discussed with the prospective guardians to confirm willingness to serve, and alternate guardians should be named in case the first choice cannot accept the responsibility. We help clients prepare the necessary will provisions and complementary documents to ensure minors are cared for and that financial arrangements are in place to support their upbringing and education.
Successor trustees should have readily accessible copies of the trust document, a pour-over will, durable powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and a list of assets with account numbers and contact information for institutions holding those assets. Having clear documentation of bank accounts, investments, deeds, insurance policies, and relevant passwords or access instructions reduces delays when administration begins. Trustees also benefit from an inventory of recent statements and guidance on where originals are stored to locate necessary records quickly. In addition to documents, trustees should know whom to contact for professional assistance, such as tax advisers or financial institutions, and have instructions regarding funeral preferences and immediate expenses. We provide clients and trustees with checklists and explanations to help trustees fulfill their duties and to make the administration process more manageable during what can be a difficult time.
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