• Our Promise to You During COVID-19/Coronavirus
    • Skip to primary navigation
    • Skip to main content
    • Skip to primary sidebar
    • Skip to footer
    • Home
    • Our Firm
      • About Our Firm
      • Team Profiles
    • Estate Planning
      • Arizona Long Term Care (ALTCS)
      • Asset Protection
      • Business and Succession Planning
      • Elder Law & Medicaid Planning
      • Estate and Gift Tax Figures
      • Family-Owned Businesses & Farms
      • IRA & Retirement Planning
      • Incapacity Planning
      • Legacy Planning
      • LGBTQ Estate Planning
      • Pet Planning
      • Probate
      • Powers of Attorney
      • SECURE Act
      • Trust Administration
    • Elder Law
      • Are You A Caregiver
      • Coping With Alzheimer’s
      • Emergency Medicaid & Nursing Home Planning
      • Guardianship & Conservatorship
      • Tucson Medicaid (ALTCS) Planning
      • Tucson Veteran’s Benefits
    • Webinars
    • Resources
      • DocuBank
      • Elder Law Reports
      • Free Estate Planning Seminars
      • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Estate Planning FAQs
        • Frequently Asked Questions for Families Without an Estate Plan
        • LGBTQ Estate Planning Frequently Asked Questions
        • Trust Administration & Probate Frequently Asked Questions
        • Tucson Estate Planning FAQs
      • Is Your Estate Plan Outdated?
      • Latest News
      • Newsletters
      • Pre Consultation Form
      • Professional Resources
      • Published Books
      • Reports
        • Advanced Estate Planning
        • Basic Estate Planning
        • Estate Planning for Niches
        • Trust Administration
    • Reviews
      • Our Reviews
      • Review Us
    • Contact Us
    • Blog

    Kinghorn Heritage Law Group, PLC

    Tucson Estate Planning Attorneys

    Connect with us today(520) 529-4000

    Attend a Free Seminar
    Home / Tucson Trust Administration

    Tucson Trust Administration

    The trust administration process is triggered by a death and imposes important responsibilities on the trust administrator. While the trust administrator needs to get legal help right away in fulfilling these responsibilities, the trust administrator is not the only one who could benefit from legal representation.  Heirs or beneficiaries should often talk with a lawyer during the trust administration process and those who wish to argue a trust is not a true reflection of the wishes of the deceased should also seek appropriate legal guidance.

    Kinghorn Law is here to provide aid to all those involved in the trust administration process. We know Arizona laws on how trusts work and how they must be administered after a death. We help to ensure the trust administration process goes smoothly and quickly, with appropriate outcomes for all involved. Give us a call at (520) 529-4000 to talk with a Tucson lawyer to find out more about the personalized assistance offered with trust administration and to get answers to questions you may have including:

    • What is trust administration?
    • Who should have a lawyer during the trust administration process?
    • How can a Tucson trust administration lawyer help during trust administration?

    What is Trust Administration?

    Trust administration is a process that can occur when a trust creator passes away. The trust administration process is an alternative, simpler process compared with the probate process. It does not take place in court, and no judge is involved unless a problem arises. Instead, the process involves a chosen trustee following instructions in a trust document to facilitate the transfer of trust assets to a new owner.

    Many people create trusts specifically because they wish their property and assets to transfer during trust administration rather than during the probate process.  While the probate process can be costly, expensive, and too public due to court proceedings, trust administration should be efficient and private.

    A trust administrator is in charge of overseeing the trust administration process and has a fiduciary duty to act according to the best interests of the trust beneficiaries. The trust administrator will take care of the technical issues involved in trust administration, from filing taxes to making an accounting of assets in the trust to overseeing the official formal transfer of asset ownership. 

    Who Should Have a Lawyer During the Trust Administration process?

     A trust administrator should have an experienced attorney providing representation and advice during the trust administration process.  Because of the fiduciary duty that a trust administrator has, the trust administrator could face a personal lawsuit if accused of mismanaging or misappropriating trust assets.

    There is no sense in taking this type of substantial risk when administering a trust. Instead, the trust administrator should talk with an attorney as soon as possible following the death of the trust creator so an attorney can offer guidance and aid throughout the entirety of the trust administration process.

    Beneficiaries of the trust should also strongly consider consulting with a trust administration lawyer and hiring a lawyer to represent their interests during the trust administration process. Heirs or beneficiaries who stand to inherit from a trust do not want a trustee to intentionally or inadvertently do anything that could reduce the value of trust property  By working with an attorney, beneficiaries can make certain that a trust administrator follows instructions in the trust document and follows the law to the letter.

    Beneficiaries may also need legal advice if they believe that a trustee is not doing his job properly and is causing asset losses or unnecessary delays. You do not deserve to have anything happen to your inheritance as a result of a trustee who does not fulfill his duties in accordance with the law.  Your attorney can help you to determine if problems arise and can assist in taking action to resolve those issues. 

    How can a Tucson Trust Administration lawyer help during trust administration?

    A Tucson trust administration lawyer can provide assistance with the process of administering a trust after the trust creator has passed away. We help trust administrators fulfill their role, and we represent heirs or beneficiaries who want to protect their inheritance.

    Kinghorn Law has extensive experience with trust administration, so give us a call at (520) 529-4000 or contact us online for help. We can also assist with trust creation so your family can go through the trust administration process instead of the probate process after a death has occurred.  Contact us now to find out more.

    Primary Sidebar

    FREE ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHEET

    There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, but with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.
    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Follow Us

    • fb
    • tw
    • ld
    • yt

    Testimonials

    default image

    In this day and age it is very rewarding and comforting to make a major decision for the long-term security of your family. Over 14 years ago we decided upon the Kinghorn Heritage Family to create our family trust. Through the years it became very evident that this decision was a major and necessary step for a secure future in an ever-changing legal climate. The Kinghorn Family has been a close friend that has always been there to serve our family.

    Gary and Velma T. Client Review September 8, 2020

    default image

    We appreciate the programs presented that keep us informed and updated in today’s internet and financial world. It is a comfort to know that you are only a phone call away if questions arise.

    Robert and JoAnn H. Client Review September 8, 2020

    default image

    We enjoyed meeting all the behind-the-scenes people on your team and want to thank you for the peace of mind you’ve given us and our children.

    M.D. Client Reveiw September 8, 2020

    default image

    What an amazing law firm, where the people I refer to them are handled as good friends, family, and confidantes.

    Eileen E. Client Review September 8, 2020

    default image

    Thank you Allison and Kinghorn Law family for everything you have done to make our end-of-life decisions a reality and stress free. When we think of Kinghorn: trust, peace of mind, professional. Outstanding Law Firm!

    Ken and Cheryl V. Client Review September 8, 2020

    default image

    Very satisfied with your company and staff.

    Robert and Britt O. Client Review September 8, 2020

    default image
    Pets are more than just furry creatures that live in your home. A Harris Poll conducted of 2,225 adults showed that 95 percent of pet owners consider pets to be members of their family.  If you view your pet as a beloved family member, you need to make provisions to care for this loved one, just as you would for any other family member. This means addressing what will happen to your pet if you become incapacitated or pass away. At Kinghorn Law we can help you create a plan that protects your pet in case you pass away or can otherwise no longer care for them.  Give us a call at (520) 529-4000 to make an appointment to talk with a Tucson pet planning lawyer about why you need a pet plan and what your plan should include. You can get personalized advice and answers to questions you have about the pet planning process including:
    • Why do I need a pet plan?
    • What should be included in your pet plan?
    • How can a Tucson pet planning lawyer help?

    Why Do I Need a Pet Plan?

    Young adults have the highest rates of pet ownership, according to the recent Harris Poll. While around 62 percent of households have at least one pet in their house, 65 percent of Millennials and 71 percent of GenXers reported pet ownership. Many young people assume they will be able to care for their pet for the duration of the pet's life. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that even a young and healthy person will not experience an incapacitating illness or injury that makes them incapable of living independently or that causes an untimely death.  If no plans have been made for the care of the pet and something happens to the pet's owner, this could result in the animal being sent to a shelter or to another inappropriate living environment. Of course, older pet owners are also at risk of their pets outliving them, especially seniors who have a statistically significant chance of passing away or of developing an illness that forces nursing home admission. If you own a pet, at any age, you should recognize the risks to your pet and make a plan so your pet is provided for no matter what happens to you. Sadly, millions of loving animals are euthanized in shelters every year in the United States. You do not want your pet to end up being one of them because you have no plan in place if you pass away or become unable to care for them. 

    What Should be Included in Your Pet Plan?

    Your pet plan should include selecting a guardian for your pet and making provisions in your will for the guardian to take custody of the animal. It is imperative that you speak with the person who you have chosen as a guardian to make sure they are willing to assume responsibility. Because circumstances can change, you should also select a backup guardian in case the person who had originally agreed to care for the animal is unable to do so. For many people, choosing a guardian and providing instructions for their pet in their will is the extent of the planning they do. However, some caring pet owners decide to go further. These pet owners know there are costs associated with caring for a pet and they don't want to ever see their animal go without. If you want to ensure you have provided money for things like veterinary care, doggy daycare, or your pet's favorite toys, you can make plans to leave money for your animal. Of course, your pet cannot inherit directly or manage the inheritance himself. As a result, you may wish to create a Trust. A Trust ensures that the money you left behind must be used to provide for the pet. You can name a Trustee who is in charge of using the funds in the Trust to care for the animal and you can provide very specific instructions regarding how the money is to be used. 

    How can a Tucson Pet Planning Lawyer Help

    A Tucson pet planning lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in making the plans that are so essential to protecting your pet if something  happens to you. Kinghorn Law has helped many pet owners fulfill their responsibilities and ensure their animals are always safe. Give us a call at (520) 529-4000 or contact us online to find out more about how we can help you.

    Chandler V. Client Review September 8, 2020

    default image

    Estate Planning attorneys are sometimes criticized for offering needlessly complex, 'canned' solutions. This never has been the case with Kevin. The documents he created were comprehensive when appropriate and surprisingly simple when suitable. In every case, they were individually crafted to meet our unique needs.

    Rich D. Client Review September 8, 2020

    << Prev
    Next >>

    Where We Are

    Kinghorn Law
    3573 E. Sunrise Drive, Suite 209
    Tucson, AZ 85718
    Phone: (520) 529-4000

    See Larger Map
    Get Directions

    Footer

    • Speaker Connection
    • Advantages of Working With Our Firm
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
    • Sitemap
    • Contact Us

    Connect with Us

    • fb
    • tw
    • ld
    • yt
    footer-logo


    © 2021 American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.

    Attorney Advertisement