Back to the Learning Center

By: Scott Grossman on April 12th, 2018

You Need an Attorney Regardless: Executor vs. Trustee

During the estate administration process, the value of having an experienced attorney in your corner is not diminished whether you are serving as a San Diego executor vs. trustee. Both executors vs. trustees face significant responsibilities as they administer the estate or trust. Seeking the guidance of an attorney can help to ensure that your duties are properly fulfilled in the most efficient manner possible. How can an attorney assist you?

The following are several common examples:

  1. First of all, our attorney can help you to identify the beneficiaries or heirs. It is not always easy to find these individuals, but your legal professional will have the knowledge and tools to track down the people that you need to reach.
  2. Furthermore, our legal professional can help ensure that you meet all of the required tax filing deadlines. Estates and trusts are subject to various and complicated tax-related obligations, and as a trustee or executor, you do not want to be in trouble with the IRS.
  3. Also, a lawyer can assist with disputes among beneficiaries or other interested parties.
  4. Additionally, an attorney can help you stay on track with the duties of your role, ensuring that the estate or trust is wrapped up as quickly as possible.
  5. Lastly, our attorney can help you fulfill your accounting requirements clearly and efficiently that will reduce the likelihood of complaints from the beneficiaries.

For more information about the roles of executors vs. trustees in San Diego, view our free guide, The Insider’s Guide to California Probate and Trust Administration. Contact an experienced San Diego probate administration attorney today for a consultation by calling our toll-free number, (888) 443-6590. You may also fill out our quick and easy online form today. It would be our pleasure to further assist you.

Definitions: Executor vs. Trustee:

Executor (noun):

The person named in a Will is the person who will make sure that the instructions in the Will are followed. They are responsible for executing the Will and are either appointed by the court or by the deceased person. They are responsible for taking care of a deceased person’s financial obligations. Financial obligations include disposing of property and paying bills and taxes. The executor must also make certain that the deceased last wishes are carried out according to the Will.

Trustee (noun):

A person or organization that has been given responsibility for managing someone else’s property or money through a Trust. There are different types of trusts, including Totten Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Testamentary Trusts, Living Trusts, and many others. The type of trust will determine the exact actions a Trustee must take to perform their job.

Related Links:

Differences Between Executors vs. Trustees

Why You Need a Trust Administration Attorney