Episode Summary: Attorney John Marshall breaks down the complex topic of trust administration, explaining what trustees are responsible for while you’re alive and after you pass away. He covers the roles and fiduciary duties of a successor trustee, the importance of proper accounting, protecting assets, filing taxes, and managing distributions to beneficiaries. This episode is essential for anyone who wants to understand how trusts work in practice, how to choose the right trustee, and how to ensure your estate plan is executed smoothly and according to your intentions.

Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to trust administration 01:00 – Purpose of a trust and avoiding guardianship 02:30 – Duties of a successor trustee while you’re alive 04:30 – Fiduciary responsibilities: loyalty, prudence, accounting, and communication 08:30 – Selecting a trustworthy successor trustee 10:00 – Duties after death: shifting focus to beneficiaries and creditors 12:00 – Filing notices, caveats, and submitting the original will 13:30 – Inventory of assets and initial accounting 15:00 – Prudent investor rule and managing risk in trust assets 16:30 – Distributions: partial vs. full and handling tax obligations 18:00 – How Marshall Law assists trustees in fulfilling their duties

About the Show: Trust Me It’s Complicated helps listeners navigate estate planning, trusts, and probate with clarity and confidence. Attorney John Marshall simplifies legal concepts, providing practical guidance to protect families, assets, and your legacy.