Probate and Trust Administration Attorney Oakland & San Francisco Bay Area
We handle trust administration and probate matters for surviving family members, executors and successor trustees, and represent executors, successor trustees and beneficiaries in the unfortunate event of a dispute regarding post-death administration of estate assets.
Trust administration is a key component of estate planning that involves managing and distributing assets held in a trust according to the terms set by the grantor, both during their lifetime and after their death. Unlike probate, trust administration typically occurs outside of court, offering a more private, efficient, and often quicker process for transferring assets to beneficiaries. A trustee—appointed by the grantor—is responsible for carrying out the trust’s instructions, which may include paying debts, managing investments, filing taxes, and ultimately distributing property to heirs. Effective trust administration ensures that the grantor’s intentions are honored while minimizing legal complications, delays, and costs for loved ones.
Probate is a legal process that also plays a crucial role in estate planning, serving to validate a deceased person’s will and ensure the orderly distribution of their assets according to their wishes or, in the absence of a will, in accordance with state law. This process involves appointing an executor or personal representative, identifying and inventorying the deceased’s property, settling outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining estate to beneficiaries. While probate provides a structured method for asset transfer, it can be time-consuming and costly, which is why many estate plans aim to minimize or avoid probate through strategies like trusts, joint ownership, and beneficiary designations. Understanding probate is essential for anyone looking to protect their legacy and provide a smooth transition for their heirs
An example of the services we provide includes the following:
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