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.

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

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.