When a Parent Passes Away: A Clear, Compassionate Guide for Successor Trustees

1. Limited‑Scope Guidance

Starting at: $1,500

This option is best for trustees who feel organized, have a straightforward estate to manage, and are experiencing little or no family conflict.

You receive a focused legal framework while you handle the practical tasks. I review the trust, prepare the required notices, provide a structured checklist for what must be done after a parent passes, explain your fiduciary duties, and help you outline a distribution plan.

This model does not include asset marshaling, formal accounting preparation, beneficiary communications, property transfer deeds, or tax filings. Trustees choose this when they feel comfortable doing most of the work but want legal guardrails to avoid mistakes.

2. Standard Trust Administration

Starting at: $4,500

This option is ideal for trustees who want structured help, are managing multiple beneficiaries, or need assistance with real property transfers.

I conduct a full trust review, prepare the complete notice package, guide you through asset marshaling, and handle all real property transfers, including affidavits of death, grant deeds, and related filings. I prepare beneficiary communications, draft preliminary and final accountings, coordinate tax matters with your CPA, and prepare the final Release and Receipt package.

Most trustees choose this option because it provides peace of mind, predictable structure, and protection from avoidable errors.

3. Full‑Scope Trust Administration

Starting at: $10,000

This option is designed for out‑of‑state trustees, complex estates, high‑net‑worth matters, or situations involving difficult family dynamics.

I manage the entire administration from start to finish. That includes full asset marshaling, direct outreach to banks and financial institutions, comprehensive fiduciary accountings, beneficiary communications, review of creditor claims, oversight of tax deadlines, execution of distributions, and management of entity interests such as LLCs and partnerships.

Trustees choose this when the estate is complex or when the emotional or logistical burden is simply too heavy to manage alone.

Choosing the Right Option

A simple way to decide:

• Choose Limited‑Scope if you’re comfortable doing most tasks yourself.

• Choose Standard if you want structured legal help and protection from personal liability.

• Choose Full‑Scope if you want the entire process professionally managed.

No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive clear communication, predictable fees, and compassionate guidance. You’ve already endured the hardest part — losing someone you love. My job is to make everything that comes next as simple, safe, and manageable as possible.

Ready to Talk

If you already know which package fits your situation, reach out and we’ll begin. If you’re unsure, we can determine the right fit together in a short, pressure‑free consultation.

Legal Notice

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney‑client relationship. Fee ranges apply only to non‑litigated, uncontested trust administrations. My practice focuses on estate planning and trust administration; I do not hold a State Bar Certified Specialist designation.