Estate Planning Services

California Trust (Death) Administration

Gain peace of mind with California Trust Administration — whether you’re settling an Estate, planning ahead, or need expert support, Vanguard is here to help with compassion, clarity and care.

What Is Trust Administration?

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Trust Administration (sometimes called Death Administration) is the legal and financial process of carrying out a person’s wishes after they’ve passed, as outlined in their Trust.

In California, this includes tasks like managing assets, notifying beneficiaries, settling debts, and ensuring property is distributed correctly.

Whether you’re helping to settle a loved one’s Estate, serving as a Successor Trustee, or simply planning ahead — the responsibilities can feel overwhelming.

The good thing is that you don’t have to do them alone.

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California Trust administration

Who We Can Help?

Planners

Planning ahead reduces stress later — we’ll help you create an Estate Plan or prepare your Trust for smooth administration when the time comes.

Successor Trustees

If you've been named as a Successor Trustee we'll guide you through your responsibilities with clarity and expert support so you can carry out your duties with confidence.

Have Questions?

You're not alone. If someone has passed away or you simply have questions about your options, we'll help you understand what's needed and what comes next.

We Have You Covered.

Whether you’re handling a loved one’s Estate today, preparing to serve as a future Trustee, or looking for a professional to take on the role entirely, we offer the trusted support you need.

We guide Trustees, can serve as licensed fiduciary, help families plan ahead, and ensure Trusts are administered properly from start to finish.

No matter where you are in the process, we’re here to simplify it, protect your interests, and help you move forward with confidence!

Not sure where to start? Just reach out!

Learn More About Trust Administration.

What is Trust Administration?

Whether someone has a Trust or not, their estate must be administered upon one’s passing. The State of California requires this administration process, called Trust Administration, to legally distribute someone’s assets to another individual after death.

In short, Trust Administration needs to happen after you pass and before any beneficiaries can receive any portion of your estate.

Depending on your marital status, the Trust Administration process may look different. If you leave behind a surviving spouse, the administration will focus on removing your name from various components of your estate plan. In contrast, the administration for a single individual will focus on legally empowering your successor trustee to enact your wishes.

  1. Filing the original Will with the Probate court in the county where the death occurred.

  2. Providing proper notification to the Department of Health Care Services
    Notification to Franchise Tax Board if necessary.

  3. Preparation of Affidavit of Death for the transfer of real estate assets.

  4. Preparing a new Certificate of Trust for the Successor Trustee.

  5. Preparation and mailing of statutory notices.

  6. Obtaining a unique Tax ID for the Trust when necessary.

  7. Creating a small estate affidavit, when necessary

Firstly, we’re very sorry for your loss.

Please contact our Client Services team at 888-995-6014 or using the form below.

After deciding to move forward, your attorney will provide a one-on-one consultation, review the Trust documents, and answer any questions.

We will then complete the necessary steps to allow the successor trustee access and control of the assets.

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Whether you need a Trust, Power of Attorney, or guidance on your Estate Plan, we’re here to help!

Use the form to tell us about your needs, and we’ll provide guidance you’re looking for.

Services - Trust Administration

Get Expert Help Today.

We’re here to simplify the Trust Administration process for you.

Services - Trust Administration