Trust administration is something that may occur when someone passes away. You may need to get legal help guiding you through the process to ensure an inheritance is protected and the wishes of the deceased are respected.
Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC provides assistance with the trust administration process. We represent executors, heirs, trustees, trust beneficiaries, and other interested parties who may have reason to believe the interests of the deceased are not being appropriately represented. If you need assistance after a death, we are here for you. Give us a call in Vermont at 802-879-7133 for personalized advice or contact us to find answers to questions including:
- What happens during trust administration in Vermont?
- Who should consult with a lawyer about trust administration?
- How can a Vermont trust administration lawyer help you?
What Happens During Trust Administration in Vermont?
During trust administration, a trustee is responsible for facilitating the transfer of assets which were held inside of a trust to the trust beneficiaries. The trustee is also responsible for addressing all of the legal matters associated with the trust.
Trust administration involves a person in a position of responsibility taking steps to make sure the deceased person’s assets are managed appropriately and transferred to new owners.
In this case, the aim is to provide new owners with the property left to them by the deceased, to do so in a timely manner, and to ensure all laws are complied with and all instructions left by the deceased are followed to the letter.
Who Should Consult with a Lawyer About This?
In the case of trust administration, a trustee who is named in the trust document will oversee the trust administration process. Usually, the trust creator will also name a backup trustee just in case the first person chosen is unable or unwilling to carry out his duties in taking care of the transfer of trust assets after death.
Executors, trustees, and personal representatives are all expected to act in the best interests of the heirs or beneficiaries and to respect all of the wishes of the deceased. They have a legal duty to do so, and can be held accountable for any wrongdoing. Because of the important role played by executors, personal representatives, and personal representatives, a lawyer should be consulted to provide assistance.
People who are expecting to inherit from a will or who will be receiving assets from a trust can often benefit from being legally represented as well. Although trustees and executors are supposed to manage assets appropriately and move swiftly through the trust administration process, sometimes this is not what occurs. An attorney can be protective of the rights and interests of heirs and trust beneficiaries and can observe and assist during the trust administration process to ensure that the process goes smoothly. If there are problems, an attorney representing heirs or beneficiaries can take action on their behalf.
Finally, anyone who wishes to contest a will or who wishes to make claims that a trust should not be considered legally valid will also need an attorney to help make appropriate legal arguments.
How Can Our Attorneys Help You?
Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC provides assistance with both probate and trust administration to clients throughout Vermont, including in Burlington, Essex Junction, Montpelier, Rutland, White River Junction, St. Johnsbury and Newport.
Whenever you want a knowledgeable legal advocate to advise you on your own role during the process, or to help you protect the rights of the deceased and secure your inheritance, we are here to help. Give us a call in Vermont at 802-879-7133 or contact us online to schedule your consultation and learn more about the legal assistance we can provide to you.
