Short answerTrust administration is the process a successor trustee follows after the person who created a living trust dies: securing assets, sending the required California notice to beneficiaries and heirs (Probate Code § 16061.7), paying debts and expenses, handling tax filings, and distributing assets as the trust directs. It usually happens without court involvement.
A trustee’s main steps
- Obtain death certificates and locate the trust and will.
- Secure and inventory trust assets; obtain date-of-death values.
- Serve the notification required by Probate Code § 16061.7 within 60 days — this starts the 120-day period for contesting the trust.
- Record the appropriate documents for real property and consider the property tax change-in-ownership filing.
- Pay valid debts, expenses and taxes; keep careful records.
- Keep beneficiaries reasonably informed and account as required.
- Distribute assets according to the trust.
How we help
Because the process is complex and comes at a difficult time, we guide trustees through each step and advise them on their duties and obligations, helping reduce the risk of personal liability and family conflict.
Common questions
How long does trust administration take in California?
Simple administrations can wrap up within several months; estates with real estate sales, tax filings or disputes take longer. The 120-day contest period after the § 16061.7 notice is one timing factor.
Is a trustee paid?
California allows reasonable trustee compensation unless the trust says otherwise. Many family trustees waive it.
General information about California law, not legal advice. Laws and dollar thresholds change; confirm current rules for your situation.