Carson, CA asked in Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate for California

Q: As sole beneficiary & successor trustee of my mothers estate. Do I notify myself like I would another beneficiary?

Notification of death, accounting of assets, etc.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: In your role as the sole beneficiary and successor trustee of your mother's estate under California law, the standard process of notifying beneficiaries can be somewhat streamlined. Given that you are the only beneficiary, there's no legal requirement for you to notify yourself in the same manner as you would for other beneficiaries. However, it's still important to adhere to the duties and responsibilities of a trustee.

As trustee, you're required to manage the estate's affairs. This includes the preparation and maintenance of records, such as an accounting of assets. Even though you're the sole beneficiary, maintaining these records is crucial for legal and financial transparency.

It's also advisable to consult with a legal professional to ensure that you're fulfilling all your obligations as a trustee and to address any specific legal questions or concerns that may arise during the administration of the estate. This step is important to ensure that all actions taken are in compliance with California law and the terms of the trust.

Nina Whitehurst agrees with this answer

1 user found this answer helpful

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.