Trust Administration Services

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Trust Administrators in TN & KY

Trust administration is the process of administering a trust after its formation. The person or institution tasked with this job, the Trustee, must manage and distribute the assets in the trust to the beneficiaries according to the terms outlined by the grantor. This complex process must be handled correctly, or else it can lead to legal issues down the line.

At Crow Estate Planning & Probate, our experienced trust administration attorneys provide professional and knowledgeable support throughout every step of your trust admin journey. We understand how important it is that your family’s financial wishes are respected and upheld properly, so whether you’re looking for guidance on how to administer a trust or would like us to handle the bulk of the work, our lawyers have got you covered. Call us today at 931-202-9055 for a free initial consultation!

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Trustees have the important duty of administering the trust itself, which includes a few responsibilities. A trustee is responsible for following the instructions laid out in the trust document to ensure that the decedent’s wishes are fulfilled.

The trustee must manage and protect all assets held in the trust, making sure that they grow over time. This may involve investing funds, buying and selling property, or managing bank accounts. The trustee must also identify and pay any creditors who are owed money by the deceased person’s estate.

A major responsibility of trustees is to administer distributions from the trust according to its terms. Trustees will distribute funds to beneficiaries as outlined by the creator of the trust, such as providing regular payments based on need or distributing certain investments or assets at specific times.

Trustees are also responsible for keeping detailed records of all activities related to the trust, including transactions and distributions. Trustees have a fiduciary duty to act on behalf of the beneficiaries and in accordance with the wishes of the creator of the trust. This means that they must be fair and impartial when making decisions about how to manage assets held in the trust. Failure to do so can lead to legal troubles down the line. This is why so many trustees count on our trust administration services to make sure they are in compliance with the law.

Trust administration can be an incredibly complex and time-consuming process. Even when done correctly, there are a variety of potential complications that can arise.

The most common complication is a beneficiary contesting the trust or challenging trustee decisions. In this case, beneficiaries may challenge the trust if they feel the terms are not fair or do not reflect their wishes. The result could mean costly litigation and delays in settling the distribution of assets.

In addition, trustees may also face tax complications due to incorrect filing or failing to file certain forms on time with the IRS. Improperly handling estate taxes, income taxes, capital gains taxes, and other financial considerations could also lead to significant problems down the road for both trustees and beneficiaries alike.

Another complication occurs when trust assets are not properly managed and/or maintained. This could lead to a decline in the value of the trust, which affects both trustees and beneficiaries. Failing to appropriately manage income or make investments could also result in less money available for distribution later on.

While trust administration can be incredibly rewarding when successful, there are a variety of complications that may arise along the way. Hiring a Clarksville trust administration lawyer can minimize the chances of a dispute arising and potentially help avoid costly litigation. We can take complete control of the trust administration process, helping to ensure that everything is done correctly and efficiently.

The goal of our trust administrators in Tennessee & Kentucky is to simplify the entire process for the estate and the trustee.

  • We will handle all legal tasks associated with administering the trust, including filing paperwork
  • We will maintain accurate records related to the trust’s finances and investments
  • We identify, locate and notify beneficiaries of their inheritances according to state law
  • We help manage disputes among beneficiaries or other parties involved in the administration process
  • We can assist with any tax planning or compliance issues related to trust assets

We aim to take the workload off of your plate to help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with trust administration. Our team of experienced trust administration attorneys is here to make sure that the process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Trust administration is a tricky but important process. If you need help administering a trust, it is important to consult with a trust administration attorney as soon as possible to ensure accuracy and efficiency from the get-go! At Crow Estate Planning & Probate, we offer free initial consultations to help you understand the best way forward. Let us give you peace of mind so you can focus on your life. Call 931-202-9055 to learn more about how we can help!

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    Hear From Our Clients

    Bill Boyd

    Where do I begin? I truly can’t say enough nice things about Crow Estate Planning & Probate and Alexandra Hulme, without her and everyone around her, I can truly say I don’t know where I would be today. Like many after losing my mother, I was lost, in a dark place and things weren’t happening how my mother had planned in her trust and will. Before waiting too long, I retained Alexandra’s services and she took me through the process step-by-step. Something that I never thought I could afford or I’d have to do. She knew I wasn’t asking her to do anything more than complete my mother’s last wishes. She did just that. They did it because they’re passionate about what they do. Communication was A+. She never left me hanging. I know family means a lot to her/them. I am indebted to her and these people forever. If you need help, call her today. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Thank you Alexandra from the bottom of my heart.
     
     

    Travis Henry

    I was referred to John by a fellow real estate investor when I needed guidance on structuring a couple of LLCs. From the start, he made the process incredibly smooth and straightforward. John was consistently responsive, thorough in his explanations, and showed a genuine commitment to getting everything completed on time—even working late to accommodate my schedule while I was operating from Hawaii, several time zones away. His mix of professionalism, attention to detail, and approachable demeanor made the entire experience seamless. I’m grateful to have him as a resource and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable attorney.
     
     
     

    Andre Christophe

    Bridget and Thomas were very professional and knowledgeable in responding to my needs. Also, they were very organized and easy to work with. 
     
     
     

    Allen Moser

    This firm has done several things for me and real estate clients. Most recently setting up a TIST (Tennessee Investment Services Trust). And redoing my Will, Medical Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Directive. Appreciated their understanding of all of the intricacies of each document. Their timely communication and prompt service.
     
     
     

    Sarah Pichardo

    I cannot recommend Thomas Steelman highly enough! From the very start, he made the entire process of setting up our estate trust absolutely painless. His expertise and clear explanations turned what I expected to be a daunting task into a smooth and stress-free experience.

    Not only did he handle every aspect of our estate trust with great attention to detail, but he (and law firm colleagues) also took care of transferring over our home deeds so we didn’t have to deal with the hassle of going to the county office ourselves. That alone saved us so much time and stress!

    I honestly thought the process was going to cost a small fortune, but I was pleasantly surprised by how reasonable the pricing was. Most importantly, though, Thomas gave us peace of mind knowing that our hard-earned assets are protected and will go exactly where we want them—without placing unnecessary burdens on our loved ones.

    If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and professional estate trust attorney, Thomas and team are the ones to trust. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Scott Donnellan

    John and his team are professional and do quality work.
     
     
     

    Ariel Ottinger

    John and his team did an amazing job helping my family get our affairs in order. Could not recommend them more!

    Larissa Ottinger

    hey are so prompt to respond and attentive!

    Emily Vick

    Alexandra Hulme was extremely helpful, professional, and punctual! I highly recommend using this firm.

    Austin Joaquin

    Highly recommend for all of your probate needs. Compassionate and professional.

    Our Locations

    Clarksville

    512 Madison St Suite A, Clarksville, TN 37040

    931-218-7800
    Nashville

    1503 16th Ave S,
    Nashville, TN 37212

    615-558-8002
    Franklin

    321 Billingsly Court Suite 20, Franklin, TN 37067

    (615) 996-1400
    Hopkinsville

    203 E 9th St,
    Hopkinsville, KY, 42240

    270-569-0006
    Springfield

    719 S Main St Suite 110, Springfield, TN, 37172

    615-914-2184