After the death of a loved one, the last thing you want to do is think about the legal ramifications. Unfortunately, it’s important to move quickly to start the probate process, administer trusts, and file any necessary estate tax returns. This complicated process is made much simpler when you have a trust administration lawyer in your corner.
Our attorneys at Bachus, Brom & Taylor, LLC have extensive experience advising family members and fiduciaries in tragic times. We provide compassionate, efficient services to handle the probate process with sensitivity so that it doesn’t have to drag on any longer than it should. If you or a family member has a trust that must be handled after passing, our Shelby, AL trust administration lawyers can help.
After a person’s death, their assets must be distributed to heirs and beneficiaries in accordance with their will. If they held assets in a trust, it’s vital to have experienced attorneys to advise trustees and beneficiaries on their roles, rights, and responsibilities in connection with the trust. While a trust typically has clear directives and trustees have a fiduciary obligation to beneficiaries, mistakes — both honest and intentional — sometimes happen. This may lead to probate court or personal liability issues, which can put unnecessary financial strain and emotional stress on families in an already difficult time.
Trustees should have experienced legal counsel to guide them through the process to ensure they meet their obligations and carry out all trust directives appropriately. Beneficiaries should entrust attorneys to ensure the trustee is acting in accordance with their fiduciary obligations and that everyone named in a trust receives their just benefit.
Baruch, Brom & Taylor has guided many families through the trust administration process in accordance with Alabama’s laws and can help families through both out-of-court procedures and in resolving matters before they have to be brought to court, too.
Seamless trust administration ensures no inter-family conflict and avoids potential personal liability issues arising from misuse or allocation of trust funds by trustees. We ensure the needs and interests of each individual and family are met both now and for the long term future.
Managing a trust is an important responsibility, and in addition to trust administration, we may also assist in the following probate processes:
The legal process after a loved one dies is an inconvenience at best and painful at worst. Our experienced legal team and probate experts can provide compassionate guidance through trust administration to ensure both trustees and beneficiaries are adequately represented and meet their fiduciary duties.
If you’re responsible for managing a trust, are a named beneficiary, or own one yourself, it’s never too early to think about how that trust will be handled upon the trustor’s passing. Contact our Shelby County, AL trust administration lawyer at Bachus, Brom & Taylor, LLC to start planning for your family’s future.
Making mistakes during the process of creating your trust can create legal and financial problems down the road. Our Shelby County trust administration lawyer is here to break down some common errors we help our clients avoid. For personalized estate law advice and guidance, give our Alabama firm a call and set up an appointment today.
One of the most significant errors people make is failing to properly fund the trust. A trust is only effective if assets are correctly transferred into it, and overlooking this step can lead to unintended consequences.
When a trust is created but not funded, it exists only on paper. Without transferring ownership of assets into the trust, those assets remain subject to probate, defeating one of the main purposes of setting up a trust in the first place. This mistake often happens when individuals assume their estate plan is complete after signing trust documents, without taking the additional steps needed to legally transfer property.
For example, if real estate is meant to be held in a trust but the deed remains in your name, that property will not be governed by the trust upon your passing. Similarly, financial accounts, business interests, and personal assets must be titled in the trust’s name or designated with proper beneficiary arrangements. Failing to do so can cause delays, increased legal costs, and unnecessary stress for beneficiaries.
Another mistake that can cause complications is selecting the wrong trustee. The person or entity managing your trust should be reliable, financially responsible, and capable of carrying out your wishes. Some people choose a family member without considering whether that person has the time or ability to manage the responsibilities involved. Others may name multiple co-trustees who struggle to work together, leading to disputes and delays in trust administration.
If there are concerns about choosing an individual trustee, appointing a professional or corporate trustee may be a better solution. A well-managed trust requires someone who can handle financial matters responsibly and act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. Our trust administration attorneys in Shelby County, Alabama, are here to walk you through the process so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
A trust is not something that should be created and then forgotten. Life events such as marriage, divorce, births, or changes in financial circumstances may require updates to your trust. If a trust is not reviewed periodically, outdated terms could lead to conflicts or unintended asset distribution.
Additionally, changes in state or federal laws may impact your trust’s effectiveness. Working with a legal professional can help keep your trust in line with your current goals and applicable legal requirements.
Setting up a trust is a valuable step in protecting your assets, but mistakes in the process can cause significant issues for your beneficiaries. At Bachus, Brom & Taylor, LLC, we work closely with clients to create and maintain effective estate plans. Whether you need to fund a trust, choose a trustee, or update an existing plan, we are here to assist you.
If you have questions about your estate plan, our Shelby County trust administration lawyers can help you avoid costly mistakes and keep your trust in good standing. Contact our office today to discuss your options and make sure your assets are protected.
