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Trust Administration Lawyers in Palm Beach, FL

Moran & Associates Represent Clients in the Palm Beach Area for Trust Administration

A revocable living trust is another method of distributing assets. A trust is created and all assets are titled in its name. When the grantor or grantors pass away, distribution is made pursuant to the trust document. Our firm can draft a trust to your individual specifications, assist in funding same to get all assets titled properly, and administer the trust after the death of the grantor or grantors.

Administration is similar to an estate whereas it includes preparation of authority documentation for the successor trustee, providing statutory notices to beneficiaries as required by law, assisting the trustee in marshalling the trust assets, preparation of an inventory and accounting, and obtaining receipts upon final distribution, but without court intervention.

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What Is Trust Administration?

Trust administration begins when the grantor (trust creator) passes away. Unlike probate, this process is generally private—but still legally complex.

Steps Typically Include:

  • Establishing authority of the successor trustee
  • Notifying beneficiaries and interested parties
  • Collecting and valuing trust assets
  • Paying debts, taxes, and expenses
  • Distributing remaining assets per the trust document

How We Help Trustees & Families:

We help trustees and families by preparing trustee authority documentation, providing the required legal notices to beneficiaries, and identifying and managing trust property. We also organize accounting and asset valuation, facilitate tax compliance and distributions, and work to resolve disputes while preventing fiduciary liability.

Meet Our Attorneys

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Marianne Moran
Attorney
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Jill Robbe Smith
Attorney
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Justin Rice, Esq.
Attorney
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Christine Ossa
Director of Operations and Paralegal
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Michelle Duray
LAW CLERK
Patrick Moran
LAW CLERK
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Daniel L. Monahan
ATTORNEY (retired)

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Practice Areas

Personalized Estate Planning Guidance from Moran & Associates

EVALUATE IF A TRUST OR ESTATE PLAN IS RIGHT FOR YOU – We can review your unique situation to determine whether a trust or other estate planning options are appropriate for your needs.

SERVING BOTH BENEFICIARIES AND FIDUCIARIES – Moran & Associates in Palm Beach offers experienced legal counsel to represent the interests of both beneficiaries and fiduciaries.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY – Call us at 561-779-2029 to book an appointment with one of our associates and start securing your financial future.

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Palm Beach Probate Attorneys, Wills and Trusts, Trust Attorneys

Contact Moran & Associates

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
How would you like to be contacted?*
Disclaimer: The use of the internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.*

Frequently Asked Questions

A will goes into effect after you pass away and typically requires probate—a court-supervised process. A trust, on the other hand, can take effect during your lifetime and allows for the private transfer of assets without probate. Trusts can also provide more flexibility and control over how and when your assets are distributed.

While not legally required, working with a trust administration lawyer is highly recommended. Administering a trust involves legal, financial, and fiduciary responsibilities. Mistakes—such as incorrect asset distribution or failure to notify beneficiaries—can result in personal liability for the trustee. Our attorneys help ensure everything is done correctly, efficiently, and in compliance with Florida law.

The trustee is responsible for managing and distributing trust assets according to the terms of the trust. This includes:

  • Notifying beneficiaries

  • Gathering and safeguarding trust assets

  • Paying debts, taxes, and expenses

  • Providing accounting to beneficiaries

  • Distributing assets appropriately

Trustees have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries and the trust. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences.

The timeline can vary depending on the size and complexity of the trust, but most trust administrations take several months to a year. Delays may occur if there are disputes, hard-to-value assets, or unclear instructions in the trust.

 Yes, trusts can be challenged, though it is often more difficult than contesting a will. Common reasons include:

  • Lack of capacity when the trust was created

  • Undue influence

  • Fraud or improper execution

Our firm represents both trustees defending the trust and beneficiaries who believe their rights have been violated.

Yes. A trust must be funded—meaning assets need to be retitled or transferred into the name of the trust. Unfunded trusts offer no probate protection, as assets outside the trust will still go through the probate process. We assist clients in properly funding their trusts to ensure their estate planning goals are met.