Practice Areas
Houston Trust Administration Attorney
Practical guidance for trustees carrying out their responsibilities, managing trust assets and distributing property according to the terms of the trust.
Serving as a trustee carries important responsibilities. Trustees may be required to safeguard trust property, maintain appropriate records, communicate with beneficiaries, address expenses and obligations, and distribute assets according to the trust’s instructions.
Gordon Law & Associates provides practical legal guidance to trustees as they carry out the terms of a trust. The firm can help review the governing documents, explain the trustee’s responsibilities, identify necessary next steps and address questions that arise during administration.
Texas law recognizes that trustees have duties and powers arising from the trust document, the Texas Trust Code and applicable common-law fiduciary obligations. Our guide to becoming a successor trustee in Texas walks through the general duty and a beneficiary’s right to an accounting.
Trust property that includes a house
Many trusts hold a home, and that is where a trustee’s job meets real estate. Attorney Pamela Gordon’s practice also covers real estate law and title matters, so deed and title questions can be handled in the same conversation.
If you are planning your own trust rather than administering someone else’s, see living trusts.
Call (713) 837-7875 for a free consultation, or contact the firm.
- Reading the trust document
Reviewing the governing documents and explaining what they ask of you as trustee.
- Identifying next steps
Working out what needs to happen, and in what order, before anything is distributed.
- Answering questions as they arise
Help with the questions that come up during administration, including requests from beneficiaries.
FAQ
Houston Trust Administration Attorney Questions
Still have questions? Call for a free consultation.
What does a trustee do?
A trustee manages trust property and carries out the instructions contained in the trust document. Responsibilities may include protecting assets, maintaining records, paying appropriate expenses, communicating with beneficiaries and making authorized distributions.
Does a trustee have a fiduciary duty?
Trustees generally act in a fiduciary capacity and must administer the trust in accordance with the trust's terms and applicable law. The specific duties depend on the trust document and the circumstances.
Can a trustee be personally liable for mistakes?
A trustee may face disputes or potential liability when fiduciary responsibilities are breached or trust property is mishandled. Because the outcome depends heavily on the facts and trust language, trustees should obtain guidance before making significant decisions.
How long does trust administration take?
The timeline varies depending on the trust's terms, the types of assets involved, tax or creditor issues, beneficiary cooperation and whether disputes exist. A relatively straightforward trust may be administered more quickly than one involving property, businesses or contested decisions.
What should I do immediately after becoming trustee?
Locate the complete trust document, identify and secure trust property, review the instructions, gather financial records and avoid making distributions until you understand your responsibilities. Legal and tax professionals may need to be consulted before major actions are taken.
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Practical guidance for trustees carrying out their responsibilities, managing trust assets and distributing property according to the terms of the trust.