The Dallas Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC supports trustees, beneficiaries, and families throughout Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Garland, Richardson, and North Texas as they navigate the complexities of trust administration in Texas. Whether you are serving as a trustee for the first time or overseeing a multi-generational estate, our Dallas team provides the legal knowledge, structure, and practical support needed to administer a trust confidently and in full compliance with Texas law.

Trust administration is a private, non-court process distinct from probate—but that does not mean it is easy. Trustees must manage financial accounts, secure assets, communicate with beneficiaries, resolve debts, and distribute property following both the trust document and the Texas Trust Code. Without proper guidance, trustees risk disputes, delays, or personal liability. Our goal is to help Dallas families navigate trust administration smoothly, efficiently, and with complete peace of mind.

What Is Trust Administration in Texas?

Trust administration is the legal process of managing and distributing trust assets after the death or incapacity of the grantor (the person who created the trust). The trustee becomes responsible for:

• Carrying out the instructions in the trust
• Managing and protecting assets
• Providing beneficiary communication
• Keeping accurate records
• Distributing assets responsibly

Texas law holds trustees to high fiduciary standards, requiring loyalty, impartiality, and thorough documentation.

Key Components of Trust Administration in Dallas & North Texas

Identifying & Securing Trust Assets

The first step is locating and confirming all trust-owned property, such as:

• Bank and investment accounts
• Real estate in Dallas, Plano, Frisco, or the surrounding areas
• Business ownership interests
• Retirement accounts
• Life insurance proceeds
• Digital assets

Proper asset identification prevents loss, protects the trustee, and ensures accurate administration.

Notifying Beneficiaries & Key Parties

Texas law requires trustees to:

• Notify beneficiaries of the trust’s existence
• Provide trust terms upon request
• Maintain open and honest communication

Beneficiaries have legal rights throughout the process.

Managing & Valuing Trust Assets

Trustees must protect and prudently manage all property. This includes:

• Obtaining appraisals for real estate or valuables
• Maintaining insurance
• Overseeing investments under the Texas Prudent Investor Rule
• Ensuring proper titling and management of trust-owned assets

Trustees who mismanage assets may face personal liability.

Paying Debts, Expenses & Taxes

Before distributing trust property, trustees must:

• Identify all valid creditor claims
• Pay debts, taxes, and final expenses
• File the grantor’s last income tax return
• File trust tax returns (Form 1041 if required)

Proper accounting protects both beneficiaries and trustees.

Maintaining Detailed Records & Reporting

Trustees are required to:

• Track all receipts and disbursements
• Maintain transaction histories
• Prepare accounting summaries
• Provide reports to beneficiaries when requested

Transparent recordkeeping helps prevent disputes.

Distributing Trust Assets

When administration is complete, trustees distribute trust assets according to the document’s instructions. This step must be:

• Accurate
• Impartial
• Fully documented
• Completed within a reasonable timeframe

Delays or improper distributions can trigger legal disputes.

Why Dallas Families Trust Our Office

Our Dallas Office provides:

• Step-by-step trustee guidance
• Interpretation of unclear trust language
• Assistance with asset valuation & tax compliance
• Communication and reporting support
• Mediation in disputes between beneficiaries
• Protection from fiduciary liability
• Complete trust administration management

We ensure trustees in Dallas perform their duties with confidence and clarity.