Beneficiary disagreements are not an anomaly—they are a normal part of many trust administrations, especially when emotions and money intersect. A skilled trustee approaches disputes with patience, transparency, and a clear commitment to neutrality. By anticipating sources of conflict, communicating proactively, and using professional resources when needed, trustees can resolve disputes in a way that preserves trust assets, maintains family relationships, and fulfills thei

Dying without a will leaves distribution of your estate to state laws that may not align with your wishes. Intestacy statutes favor spouses and blood relatives and exclude many modern family members and causes you might care about. Executors and trustees must navigate complex rules, secure and value assets, manage probate proceedings, and treat all heirs fairly while facing potential personal liability. A thoughtful estate plan prevents these issues, shortens probate, and pro

Most trustee mistakes stem from acting too quickly, not fully understanding the role, or trying to do everything alone. If you slow down, communicate clearly, keep detailed records, and get professional help when needed, you’ll not only protect yourself but also the trust and its beneficiaries.

Managing multi-generational trusts is complex but rewarding. By addressing diverse needs, focusing on sustainability, and fostering effective communication, trustees can ensure the trust achieves its objectives across generations. Use this guide as a roadmap to navigate the intricacies of multi-generational trust management and build a lasting legacy for years to come.

Real estate adds both opportunity and complexity to trust administration. Trustees must balance income generation, asset preservation and beneficiary expectations while navigating landlord‑tenant laws, maintenance responsibilities and market fluctuations. By following the trust document, adhering to the prudent investor rule, engaging professionals, maintaining records and communicating clearly with beneficiaries, trustees can steward real estate assets effectively and avoid

Hiring professional help isn’t about giving up control — it’s about fulfilling your fiduciary duty and protecting the trust’s value. A well-chosen attorney, CPA, advisor, or specialist can save you from costly mistakes, give you peace of mind, and reassure beneficiaries that the trust is in good hands. Your role as trustee is to steer the ship, not personally turn every bolt. Sometimes, the smartest move you can make is to bring in the right crew.

Charitable trusts allow donors to align their wealth with their values, offering a structured way to support causes they care about while managing taxes and providing for loved ones. Whether you choose a CRT or CLT, the key is to work with knowledgeable estate planners, attorneys and tax advisors to ensure the trust is structured properly and maintained in compliance with federal and state laws. With careful planning, charitable giving can transcend a simple donation.

Preserving a vacation home for future generations requires more than just passing down the deed. By talking to heirs, carefully choosing the right trust structure and establishing clear rules and funding mechanisms, families can transform a cherished cabin into a lasting legacy. Whether you choose a revocable trust, irrevocable trust, cabin trust or QPRT, the key is proactive planning and open communication. With the right structure in place, your family’s home away from home

The Corporate Transparency Act represents a major shift toward disclosure of beneficial ownership, and trusts are not completely immune. Trustees who oversee entities owned by trusts must understand when and how to report, identify who counts as a beneficial owner, and meet the strict filing deadlines. Failure to comply can result in penalties and disrupt trust administration.

Retirement accounts require special attention in estate planning. Because beneficiary designations control their disposition and tax rules are complex, coordination with your overall plan is essential. Regularly review beneficiary forms, understand the implications of the SECURE Act’s 10‑year rule, consider whether trusts are needed for control and protection, and explore strategies like Roth conversions and charitable bequests. Working with an estate planning attorney will h

The decision of who should oversee your family’s trust is a crucial part of estate planning. Family trustees offer familiarity and a personal touch but can be susceptible to conflicts and mistakes. Corporate trustees provide expertise, impartiality and continuity, though at a cost. There is no universally “best” choice. Consider the trust’s complexity, family relationships, available expertise and desired level of professional oversight.

Estate planning is an ongoing process rather than a single event. By learning from common mistakes and working with qualified professionals, you can design a plan that protects your loved ones, preserves your wealth, and honors your values. Avoiding pitfalls like failing to plan, ignoring beneficiary designations, and not updating documents ensures that your intentions are carried out smoothly. Take time now to review your current plan, or start one if you haven’t already.

Serving as an executor is a serious responsibility. The first 90 days are packed with tasks—locating the will, securing assets, notifying heirs and creditors, inventorying property, opening an estate bank account, managing investments, paying debts and taxes, and preparing for distributions. By understanding your duties and following a structured process, you can honor the decedent’s wishes, protect the estate’s assets, and complete probate efficiently. Consult with attorneys

Acting as a trustee involves juggling investments, paying bills, filing tax returns, communicating with beneficiaries, and sometimes refereeing family disputes. Courts and statutes recognize that this work takes time and skill; trustees are not expected to serve without compensation. Many trust instruments simply state that a trustee is entitled to “reasonable compensation.” In California, for example, Probate Code § 15681 codifies the right to a reasonable fee.

By understanding your duties, proactively managing challenges, and maintaining open communication, you can effectively fulfill this critical role. Whether you’re managing a family trust or a more complex estate, the principles outlined in this guide will set you on the path to success.

Family businesses represent more than balance sheets; they embody years of sweat equity, family pride and the livelihoods of employees. Yet studies consistently show that a majority of family business owners delay formal succession planning. Unexpected illness, accidents or disagreements can derail operations and fracture families. A thoughtful succession plan not only preserves the company but also maintains family harmony and provides continuity for employees and customers.

Taxes are an unavoidable part of trust administration. While trusts are powerful vehicles for managing and transferring wealth, they come with specific filing requirements and deadlines. Missing a due date or filing an incorrect return can result in penalties, interest and personal liability for the trustee. This guide explains when a trust must file a tax return, what forms are required and how trustees can stay compliant.

Serving as a trustee means accepting fiduciary duties that require diligence, prudence, and impartiality. Your responsibilities include reading and understanding the trust document, securing and managing trust assets, investing prudently, keeping accurate records, filing tax returns, communicating with beneficiaries, and making distributions consistent with the trust’s terms. It’s a role that demands organization, record keeping, and often the assistance of professionals.

Estate planning is often misunderstood. Many people assume it is only for the wealthy or for those approaching retirement. In reality, every adult—regardless of age or net worth—can benefit from a thoughtful estate plan. A good plan clarifies who will receive your assets, who will manage your affairs if you cannot, and how your wishes will be carried out during incapacity or after death.