When A Loved One Dies

When a Loved One Dies

Trust Administration in Pasadena, CA

Providing Counsel and Protection When a Loved One Passes Away

Losing a loved one is difficult enough in and of itself. When you factor in all of the “practical” matters that must be quickly addressed, the situation can seem overwhelming, particularly if you are tasked with serving as trustee.

Your initial responsibilities can include everything from obtaining certified copies of the death certificate, making funeral arrangements, and securing your loved one’s home and other property, to gathering a seemingly endless array of personal and financial records. (Download a helpful list of a trustee’s initial duties.)

Then there are a host of legal matters that must be resolved. For example, you must notify heirs and beneficiaries, the California Department of Healthcare Services, the IRS, and the county assessor where your loved resided about his or her passing. You must obtain a separate tax identification number for the decedent. You must file the original will with the court in the county where your loved one lived. This is just a partial list, and it does not include the actual administration of your loved one’s assets.

It is important to note that a trustee can be held legally responsible for any mistakes made in the administration of a trust, even if the mistakes are accidental.

At Pasadena Law Group, we provide compassionate, experienced counsel to individuals and families who have lost a loved one. We will manage every stage of the trust administration process, saving you time and, in the long run, money. We will also make sure that the trust and estate are administered properly, thereby protecting you from any potential liability.

We invite you to contact us at your earliest convenience to schedule a consultation. You are not alone during this difficult time. We are here to help.