You are the Trustee of a Family Trust. Now What?
Setting up a Trust is the first part of the race. A Executor of the Trust takes the baton and crosses the finish-line.
Sometimes you don't know the questions to ask.
Be prepared. Learn more below.
I'm Laura Elliott and I will guide you through the essential role of becoming a Trustee and managing a Family Trust.
If you’ve been named a Trustee, you’re likely searching for answers to questions like: What does a Trustee actually do? How long does the trust administration process take? How do I avoid family conflicts? While there’s plenty of legal and tax advice available, the real challenge is managing the non-legal, non-tax aspects—organization, communication, and decision-making. That’s where I step in. I provide clear, practical coaching to help Trustees handle their responsibilities with confidence and avoid common pitfalls.
Work With me
Navigating Trust Administration with Confidence
One of the biggest challenges Trustees face is figuring out what needs to happen and when. Without a roadmap, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I break down the trust administration process into clear, manageable steps so you know exactly what to focus on. Plus, I’ll help you ask the right questions when meeting with your attorney or tax professional—so you don’t waste time (or money) trying to piece everything together on your own.
And let’s talk about the part that no one warns you about: family drama. Even in the best families, emotions run high when money, memories, and expectations are involved. I coach Trustees on how to communicate clearly, set expectations early, and keep things as fair and transparent as possible—so you don’t end up caught in the middle of unnecessary conflict.
Then there’s the overwhelming amount of paperwork and asset management. From tracking down financial accounts to distributing personal belongings, the logistical side of trust administration is a lot to handle. I provide practical checklists and tools to help you stay organized and on top of everything, so nothing falls through the cracks.
At Trustee Guidance, my goal is simple: to help you feel confident in your role. Whether you’re just getting started or feeling stuck in the process, I’m here to make sure you’re prepared, informed, and supported. You don’t have to figure this out alone—let’s tackle it together.
Check out my new book!
The Trustee's Guide to Trust Administration:
Managing an Estate Trust with Confidence and Clarity
by Laura Elliott
Some of the Other topics covered in the Six-week Mentoring program
Things they don't tell you about being a Trustee.
Record-keeping and documentation best practices.
Effective communication with Beneficiaries, including talking to adult children and their spouses about their inheritance and financial education.
Problem-solving and dispute resolution.
Evaluating professional advisors.
Understanding financial statements and documents.
Discover how to extend your own Family legacy after the Trust process is complete.
Any issues unique to your family's trust.
And a listening ear during the overwhelming times....
My services include basic education on trust execution and one-on-one sessions to discuss your unique situation, completely confidential.
Success Stories
Before I started working with Laura, I felt overwhelmed with all the confusing aspects of executing a trust. My mom had just died after a long illness. The guidance and support I received made things so much easier. I was able to use the time on the attorney's billing clock very efficiently.
Caroline D.
I was at a point of extreme frustration. My father died suddenly, and I was appointed the executor of his Trust. I was a working, single mom with a child, grieving the loss of my dad, and I was completely lost about where to even begin. You don't know what you don't know. Laura provided me with tools, resources, and advice from her experiences to help me facilitate the trust and to finish my role as a daughter strong.
Dana P.
FAQS
Why Trustee Guidance?
Streamline this process in the time it takes to drink your morning cup of coffee. Ok, maybe two cups.
My resources and experience can help you organize paperwork and communicate efficiently with all your advisors. The Trustee Guidance Coaching Program is designed to assist Trustees with common pitfalls, fast track asset and expense organization with useable tools. Plus learn how to best communicate with professional advisors and beneficiaries.
Trustee Guidance vs. Estate Attorney or Tax Accountant
But, Laura, the estate attorney will handle everything.
While estate attorneys, tax attorneys and accountants play critical roles in navigating the legal complexities of estate and tax matters, they do not handle every aspect of estate settlement. Trustees are responsible for gathering necessary documentation, managing assets, paying bills, and communicating with various professionals, including estate and tax attorneys.
My comprehensive approach helps alleviate the stress of managing various responsibilities and ensures a smoother, more efficient process, avoiding common pitfalls.
Family members and beneficiaries will back you 100% in every decision you make, because you are in charge of the Trust.
In reality, executing and managing a Family Trust can often lead to disagreements among loved ones, especially during an emotionally-charged time. Differing opinions, personal interests, and misunderstandings about the Trust Grantor's intentions can all contribute to tensions.
Trustee Guidance's Coaching Program provides practical strategies and empathetic support to help Trustees manage family dynamics effectively. My services assist with clear communication, transparency, and conflict resolution, ensuring that you can honor your loved one’s legacy while maintaining family harmony.
Disclaimer:
Trustee Guidance does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. The materials provided have been prepared for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Clients should consult their own tax, legal and accounting advisors before applying the laws to their particular situations or engaging in any transaction.