Episode Summary:
Attorney John Marshall breaks down the complex topic of trust administration, explaining what trustees are responsible for while you’re alive and after you pass away. He covers the roles and fiduciary duties of a successor trustee, the importance of proper accounting, protecting assets, filing taxes, and managing distributions to beneficiaries. This episode is essential for anyone who wants to understand how trusts work in practice, how to choose the right trustee, and how to ensure your estate plan is executed smoothly and according to your intentions.

Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to trust administration
01:00 – Purpose of a trust and avoiding guardianship
02:30 – Duties of a successor trustee while you’re alive
04:30 – Fiduciary responsibilities: loyalty, prudence, accounting, and communication
08:30 – Selecting a trustworthy successor trustee
10:00 – Duties after death: shifting focus to beneficiaries and creditors
12:00 – Filing notices, caveats, and submitting the original will
13:30 – Inventory of assets and initial accounting
15:00 – Prudent investor rule and managing risk in trust assets
16:30 – Distributions: partial vs. full and handling tax obligations
18:00 – How Marshall Law assists trustees in fulfilling their duties

About the Show:
Trust Me It’s Complicated helps listeners navigate estate planning, trusts, and probate with clarity and confidence. Attorney John Marshall simplifies legal concepts, providing practical guidance to protect families, assets, and your legacy.