863.250.2990

Trust Administration Attorney in Florida

Experienced Guidance for Trustees & Beneficiaries

About Trust Administration

Estate & Trust Administration Lawyers in Lakeland, Florida.

We provide knowledgeable Trust Administration legal services throughout Polk County, Central Florida, and across the State of Florida.
Call 863.250.2990 today to schedule a Free Consultation with our experienced Trust Administration attorneys.
Trust Administration in Florida
When a loved one passes away or becomes incapacitated, administering a trust can feel overwhelming. Trustees are legally required to follow strict rules under Florida law, and even well-intentioned mistakes can lead to disputes, delays, or personal liability. The MTM Law Firm, PLLC helps trustees and beneficiaries navigate the trust administration process efficiently, lawfully, and with confidence.

Administering a Trust: What Happens After the Trust Is Created?

Creating a trust is only the first step. Trust administration is the legal process that occurs after a trust becomes irrevocable—typically upon the death of the grantor. Florida trust administration is governed by Florida Statute Chapter 736 (Florida Trust Code) and imposes specific duties, timelines, and responsibilities on trustees.

Our firm ensures that trusts are administered properly, assets are distributed correctly, and beneficiaries’ rights are protected.

What Is Trust Administration?
Trust administration involves carrying out the terms of a trust according to Florida law. This process often includes:

Identifying and securing trust assets

Notifying beneficiaries and interested parties

Valuing trust property

Paying valid debts, expenses, and taxes

Managing investments and trust property

Preparing accountings and required disclosures

Distributing assets according to the trust terms

Unlike probate, trust administration usually occurs outside of court, but it still requires strict legal compliance.

Key Benefits of Proper Trust Administration

Avoiding Probate Delays:

Trusts typically bypass probate, but improper administration can still result in court involvement if disputes arise.

Reducing Trustee Liability:

Trustees can be held personally liable for mistakes. Legal guidance helps ensure fiduciary duties are met.

Protecting Beneficiaries:

Clear administration prevents conflicts, mismanagement, and accusations of misconduct.

Maintaining Privacy

Trust administration is generally private, unlike probate proceedings which are public record.

Ensuring Timely Distributions:

Proper administration avoids unnecessary delays in distributing trust assets.

Common Trust Administration Issues We Handle

Trustees unsure of their legal duties
Beneficiary disputes or allegations of mismanagement
Failure to provide required notices or accountings
Trust asset valuation and distribution conflicts
Tax issues related to trust income or estate taxes
Amendments, interpretations, or ambiguities in trust documents
Trustee Duties Under Florida Law

Under Florida law, trustees owe beneficiaries the highest fiduciary duty, including:

Duty of loyalty
Duty of impartiality
Duty to prudently manage assets
Duty to inform and account
Duty to act in good faith
Failure to meet these duties can result in personal financial liability. We regularly advise trustees on how to comply with these obligations and avoid legal exposure.

The MTM Law Firm, PLLC: Trusted Guidance for Trust Administration

Trust administration can be legally complex, emotionally charged, and time-sensitive. The MTM Law Firm, PLLC provides comprehensive support for trustees and beneficiaries, including:

Guidance for Trustees: Step-by-step assistance throughout the administration process

Beneficiary Representation: Protecting your rights and ensuring proper distributions
Trust Accountings & Compliance: Ensuring all statutory requirements are met
Trust Dispute Resolution: Negotiation, mediation, and litigation when conflicts arise
Coordination With Probate: When trust and probate issues overlap
Administer the Trust the Right Way

Trust administration errors can lead to costly disputes and court intervention. Whether you are a trustee seeking guidance or a beneficiary with concerns about how a trust is being handled, experienced legal counsel is essential.

📞 Contact The MTM Law Firm, PLLC today to discuss your trust administration matter and schedule your Free Consultation.

If you are searching for a Trust Administration Lawyer near you in Lakeland, FL or anywhere in Florida, The MTM Law Firm, PLLC is here to help. Our attorneys bring over 50 years of combined experience in estate, probate, and trust matters.

Attorneys

Matthew T. Morrison

A graduate of Jones Law, he is our team lead for the probate department and case management. He is the one to establish the plan in court.

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Carlos E. Carrillo

A graduate of St Thomas Law, Carlos is head of client management and client relations. He is the master of what happens out of court.

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Dennis Ross

A graduate of Cumberland School of Law, Dennis serves as of counsel bringing legislative experience from his tenure as U.S. Congressman.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Trust Administration in Florida

What is trust administration in Florida?
Trust administration is the legal process of managing and distributing trust assets after the trust becomes irrevocable, usually following the death of the grantor.
Does trust administration require probate in Florida?
No. Properly funded trusts generally avoid probate, though disputes or related issues can still require court involvement.
How long does trust administration take?
The timeline varies depending on asset complexity, tax issues, and beneficiary cooperation. Some trusts are administered in months, others take longer.
Can a trustee be sued in Florida?
Yes. Trustees can be sued for breach of fiduciary duty if they fail to comply with Florida trust law or the trust terms.
Do beneficiaries have rights during trust administration?
Yes. Beneficiaries are entitled to notices, accountings, and proper distributions under Florida law.

Testimonials

- Brandy Wingate

"Excellent experience. Provided needed legal documents for a medical emergency. Exceptional support and efficiency in communication made the process stress free. My compliments to Mathew Morrison and his staff. Highly recommend."

— Paulette Copley

"Shelee M. was very helpful with my situation. She was able to look at my property deed on line and took my problem to the attorneys immediately. She was kind and helped resolve my situation and expeditiously. I would highly recommend this firm and will use them again myself."

— Elmo Mangual

"This firm was very helpful in my probate case. They were excellent and willing to help no matter what. They were able to resolve my case fast. I was impress with their work. I give them a 10 out of 10. Thank you again from the Mangual family."

- Stephen Brown

"I was very happy with the compassion and caring about the loss of my brother. The professional handling of the legal issues was the very best that I could have asked for. Thank you."

- Paula Halterman

"Omgoodness!! Had an emergent issue, spoke with Shelee, not only did she take the time to listen and understand our problem, she obtained the solution!! If you EVER have a need for a probate attorney, MTM law firm is amazing!!"