Trust Administration, Management, and Estate Planning for Seniors
Plan with confidence. Make sure your property is managed the way you want—during your life and after—while easing the burden on your loved ones.
What is a trust?
A trust is a legal arrangement that places your property under the care of a trustee (a person or company) for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries. Many seniors use a revocable living trust to manage assets while alive and to transfer them after death, often without probate.
Key terms
Trustee: The person or company that manages the trust.
Beneficiaries: The people or causes you want to benefit.
Grantor/Settlor: The person who creates the trust (you).
What does a trustee do?
A trustee’s duties typically include:
Managing investments and bank accounts
Paying bills, taxes, and approved expenses (such as medical costs or charitable gifts)
Keeping detailed records and preparing accountings
Making distributions of income and principal according to your instructions
Working with attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors as needed
Executor vs. trustee: what’s the difference?
Executor (or personal representative): Named in your will to handle your estate after death. Duties include paying debts and taxes, filing court documents, and distributing assets.
Trustee: Manages assets owned by the trust during your life (if applicable) and after. Trust assets usually avoid probate, while assets only in your name generally do not.
Special situations: minors and special needs
Minor children: A trust can manage money until a child reaches an age you choose.
Special needs trust: Protects eligibility for public benefits while providing extras like therapies, education, or quality-of-life items. The trustee follows clear instructions to support your loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) without jeopardizing benefits.
Why seniors use trusts
Avoid or simplify probate to save time and costs
Make things easier for your family if you become ill or incapacitated
Control when and how loved ones inherit
Protect beneficiaries who need help managing money
Plan for charitable giving (e.g., charitable remainder trusts)
Reduce estate taxes for larger estates, where applicable
Manage or defer capital gains in certain strategies (e.g., charitable remainder trust; 1031 exchanges for investment property)
Coordinate life insurance and annuities within an estate plan
Call now(800) 989-8137 or click “Find Care Near Me” to get matched with options today.
Why choose a professional trustee or trust company?
Fiduciary duty: Legally required to act in your best interest
Professional systems: Robust recordkeeping, compliance, and reporting
Continuity: No disruption due to illness or relocation of a family trustee
Reduced family conflict: Neutral, experienced decision‑maker
Vendor network: Access to investment managers, CPAs, and attorneys
Safekeeping: Secure custody of assets and valuables
Our services for seniors and families
Trust administration and fiduciary management
Estate settlement support and executor guidance
Special needs trust administration
Coordination with elder law attorneys and financial advisors
Secure document storage and beneficiary communication
How It Works
Free Phone Assessment & Plan
A quick 10-minute call to understand your needs and create a clear, personalized plan.
Provider Match
We connect you with vetted local providers who are the best fit for your care and lifestyle.
Ongoing Support
Enjoy peace of mind with continuous support and regular check-ins—so you are never on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a will if I have a trust?
Yes. A will can name guardians for minors and serve as a “pour‑over” to move any overlooked assets into your trust.
What’s the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust?
Revocable trusts can be changed during your lifetime and typically avoid probate. Irrevocable trusts usually can’t be changed and can offer tax, asset protection, or Medicaid planning benefits when used appropriately.
How long does trust administration take?
Simple trusts may settle in a few months. More complex estates can take a year or longer, depending on taxes, property sales, and legal requirements.
What do trustees charge?
Fees vary by region and complexity. Many professional trustees charge a small percentage of assets managed or a flat fee for specific services. Ask for a written fee schedule.
Are trusts only for the wealthy?
No. Many middle‑income families use trusts to avoid probate, maintain privacy, and simplify care during illness.
