Not long ago, a woman sat across from me in the conference room, clutching a manila folder stuffed with papers. Her father had passed away, and she had just been named trustee of his trust. She sighed and said, “I have no idea what I’m supposed to do. Is there, like, a manual for this?”
If that question sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Serving as a trustee is a big responsibility, and most people only do it once or twice in their lifetime. It’s normal to feel like you’re wading through murky waters without a map.
Here are some of the most common questions people ask us about trust administration—maybe they’re the same ones keeping you up at night.
“What exactly does a trustee do?”
Think of the trustee as the project manager for settling someone’s financial life. That includes gathering assets, paying off debts, filing taxes, and ultimately distributing funds to the right people. It’s part detective work, part accountant, part peacemaker.
“How long is this going to take?”
Most people expect a few weeks. In reality, it can take months—or even a year—depending on the size of the estate, taxes, and whether family harmony is… shall we say… fragile.
“If there’s a trust, we don’t have to deal with probate, right?”
In a perfect world, yes. If every asset was transferred properly into the trust, probate can usually be avoided. But if a bank account or piece of property was left out, the court may still be involved.
“Does the trustee get paid?”
Yes. Trustees are entitled to reasonable compensation. But in many families, people feel awkward about it and waive the fee. Spoiler: managing a trust is real work, and it’s okay to be compensated for it.
“What if the beneficiaries don’t agree with me?”
This happens a lot. Beneficiaries have the right to information, but they don’t get to run the show. If disagreements turn into drama, sometimes mediation—or even court—steps in.
“Do I really need a lawyer?”
Technically, no. Practically, most trustees discover the job is more complex than they imagined. A mistake can create liability, and nobody needs that headache. Having an experienced guide by your side makes the process smoother, faster, and a whole lot less stressful.
If you’ve been handed a manila folder and a role you never asked for, take a breath. You don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to know where to turn for help.
At Voorhees Law Group, we walk trustees through each step so nothing falls through the cracks and family relationships are preserved as much as possible.
👉Request a Consultation today, and let’s make sure you feel confident, supported, and in control as you carry out this important responsibility.