At Burzynski Elder Law, we help individuals and families throughout Southwest Florida manage revocable and irrevocable trusts that provide long-term peace of mind, protect assets, and simplify the transfer of wealth. If you’re navigating the complex responsibilities of trust administration after a loved one’s death, our experienced legal team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Trust administration refers to the legal and financial duties carried out by the trustee after the creator of the trust (also known as the grantor or settlor) dies or becomes incapacitated. If you’ve already created a trust—or if you’re a beneficiary or successor trustee—understanding this process is crucial.
Trust administration is generally handled outside of court and can be faster and more private than probate. However, it still requires compliance with state and federal laws, fiduciary duties, tax filings, and asset management responsibilities.
When you are appointed as a successor trustee, you take on serious responsibilities. These include:
The trustee acts as a fiduciary, meaning they are legally required to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. Mistakes can lead to disputes or even personal liability—which is why working with an experienced trust administration attorney is highly recommended.
Many people choose to create a trust precisely because it helps avoid the Florida probate process. Here’s how trust administration compares:
| Probate | Trust Administration |
|---|---|
| Public court process | Private process managed by trustee |
| Often takes 6–12 months or longer | Usually faster, often 3–6 months |
| Assets frozen until court approval | Immediate control over assets (if properly titled) |
| Subject to court fees and hearings | Less expensive and no court involvement in most cases |
Trusts aren’t only triggered by death. If the grantor becomes incapacitated—for example, due to Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, or a serious accident—the successor trustee can step in to manage the trust assets. This makes trusts a key part of incapacity planning.
In these cases, the trustee may:
This overlap between trust administration and life care planning is where Burzynski Elder Law truly excels. Our team understands both the legal and human sides of long-term care and financial security.
Disputes can arise over ambiguous language in the trust, perceived unfairness, or trustee misconduct. Common trust-related legal issues include:
We offer resolution strategies including mediation, settlement discussions, and—when necessary—litigation support.
Burzynski Elder Law has proudly served Naples and all of Southwest Florida for over 30 years. Our founder, Jill Burzynski, is the first attorney in Collier County to be Board Certified in Elder Law by the Florida Bar. She and our team combine deep technical knowledge with a commitment to client-centered care.
Here’s why families trust us with their most sensitive estate matters:
If you’ve been named as a trustee and don’t know where to begin—Burzynski Elder Law is here for you. We’ll make the process straightforward, legally sound, and tailored to your goals.
Call us at (239) 434-8557 or schedule a consultation online today.