Named as a Successor Trustee? We provide expert legal guidance to empower California Trustees to fulfill their duties with clarity, confidence, and support.
When a loved one passes or becomes incapacitated, the Successor Trustee steps in to manage and carry out the terms of the Trust. It’s an important legal responsibility — and for many, a deeply personal and complicated one.
Our Successor Trustee Guidance Services are designed for individuals who have been named as Trustees and want help fulfilling their responsibilities correctly, efficiently, and confidently!
We review your Estate documents with you to ensure you understand your authority and responsibilities.
From asset collection and notifications to recordkeeping and distributions, we’ll outline what needs to be done and when.
Unsure how to handle assets? Don’t know who to notify and when? We’ll provide clarity on even the smallest details.
At Vanguard Legal Group, we understand that every Trustee has different needs. That’s why we offer two distinct services — so you can get the support that fits your role, comfort level, and circumstances.
Ideal for those named as a Successor Trustee who want to carry out their responsibilities personally — with expert legal support.
We’ll review your documents, answer your questions, and provide guidance on the necessary next steps so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
If you prefer to have a professional Trustee step in and manage the Trust on your behalf, our team can serve as the licensed fiduciary.
We take on full responsibility for managing, distributing, and administering the Estate in accordance with the Trust guidelines.
Being named a Successor Trustee is an important responsibility but can also feel overwhelming! Many people step into the role with misunderstandings about what Trustees can (and cannot) do. Let’s clear up a few of the most frequent myths:
Not true. Trustees are fiduciaries — legally and ethically required to act in the best interest of the beneficiaries and to follow the instructions laid out in the Trust. They cannot use Trust assets for personal benefit or act outside the terms of the Trust agreement.
Trustees do have authority to manage and distribute Trust assets, but that power is limited by law and the Trust itself. Trustees must act impartially, maintain detailed records, make prudent financial decisions, and regularly communicate with beneficiaries.
Serving as a Trustee requires focus, time, and the ability to manage legal and financial responsibilities. While many people appoint a friend or family member, not everyone is equipped to handle the role — especially for complex Estates. When appropriate, some families turn to professional trustees to ensure proper administration.
Even with the best intentions, Trustees can make costly mistakes if they don’t seek professional advice. Estate administration often involves taxes, property transfers, legal filings, and strict deadlines. Getting expert guidance protects both the Trustee and the beneficiaries.
Unless the Trust specifically says so, Trustees do not inherit the assets. Their role is to manage and distribute those assets according to the terms of the Trust. Trustees may receive a fee for their service, but they are not owners of the Trust property.
In many cases, a Successor Trustee may need to step in while the Trust creator is still living — such as during incapacity. Their role may include managing the Trust’s assets, paying bills, and ensuring the creator’s instructions are followed if they can no longer act for themselves.
We offer expert legal guidance to help you carry out your responsibilities with confidence and clarity!
Use the form to tell us about your needs, and we’ll provide guidance you’re looking for.
