California Trust Administration Attorney

Sacramento lawyer advises trustees and beneficiaries

Administering a trust correctly is a serious responsibility that can involve numerous transactions and compliance with complex terms. K. Greg Peterson, a Professional Law Corporation assists trustees with a full range of their administrative duties. As a California State Bar Certified Specialist in estate planning, probate and trust law, attorney Greg Peterson can handle the toughest challenges. He has more than 35 years of experience in this legal field, and also advises beneficiaries if they feel that a trust is not being managed appropriately.

What is trust administration?

A trustee has a fiduciary duty to carry out the terms set forth by the trust creator. This requires strict adherence to the instructions set forth in the trust. Most trusts confer substantial powers on the trustee to make decisions regarding investments and other actions designed to fulfill the trust creator’s goals. If a question arises regarding compliance with trust terms, a dispute could arise with one or more of the trust beneficiaries, so effective trust administration is critical. Our firm advises clients regarding the interpretation of any ambiguous language, recordkeeping, completion of transactions and disputes involving potential beneficiaries.

Attorney provides counsel on successor trustee duties

Often, the person who establishes a trust will name themselves or someone close to them as the successor trustee. In these cases, the terms of the trust or intentions of the trustor might not be recorded in significant detail. This can create a problem if that trustee unexpectedly dies or becomes incapacitated. When a trust is meant to continue and the original trustee is unable or unwilling to fulfill their duties, our firm offers comprehensive guidance to successor trustees so that they can comply with California law and the intentions of the trust creator.

Firm handles matters related to trust debts, expenses and taxes

Once a trust becomes irrevocable, the trust is an independent legal entity which might be subject to taxes. Attorney Greg Peterson advises clients regarding various tax matters and related issues for trustees. Depending on the particular nature of the trust, there might also be creditor claims and expenses that must be addressed and often paid. Assets that go into and out of the trust need to be carefully accounted for to avert claims of neglect or malfeasance. You can rely on Greg Peterson for advice concerning all aspects of trustee obligations with the highest degrees of skill and professionalism.

Assistance with trust contingencies and disputes

Certain trusts include contingent provisions that require trustees to use their judgment as to whether a specific condition has been met. For example, there might be a dispute over whether a fund limited to pay for a descendant’s education costs can be used for a job-training program, or the extent to which a beneficiary is entitled to information concerning the trust’s assets. Our firm provides the interpretation of trusts and compliance with California law, and in the event of a legal dispute, we represent parties in trust disputes between one or more beneficiaries and the trustee.

Contact a thorough California trust administration attorney for a consultation

K. Greg Peterson, a Professional Law Corporation assists interest parties and potential clients with advice concerning trust administration matters. To schedule a consultation regarding your specific situation, please call 916-443-3010 or contact us online. Our office is located on Sacramento’s Capitol Mall and across the street from the Golden One Center.