How to Notify Trust Beneficiaries as an Estate Administrator

How to Notify Trust Beneficiaries as an Estate Administrator

If you are serving as the successor trustee of a living trust, one of your primary responsibilities is to notify the trust beneficiaries of the passing of the settlor, the person who created the trust. In a simple letter to the beneficiaries, you must communicate the following basic facts:

  • The living trust has become irrevocable because the settlor has passed away.
  • You, as the trustee, are now in charge of the management of the assets in the trust.
  • You will distribute the trust assets to all beneficiaries as soon as possible.

This is the most basic information the beneficiaries will need to know after the passing of the settlor. You are required under Florida law to provide notice in such a manner.

It also may be useful to provide additional information, such as:

  • Your name and contact information: Beneficiaries will want to be able to get in touch with you if they have any questions about the trust or their inheritance, so this is useful information for them to have.
  • Right to see the document: You should explain to all beneficiaries that they have the right to see a copy of the actual trust document, if they wish. You are under no obligation to send a copy of the document to a beneficiary unless they ask for one, but you can choose to send one along with the notification letter if you want.
  • Deadlines: Provide the deadline for any court challenges. It is not common for beneficiaries to challenge trusts in court, but it does happen on occasion.

For more information about notifying trust beneficiaries after the passing of the settlor, contact an experienced Florida estate administration lawyer with BaumannKangas Estate Law.