The Fort Worth Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC supports trustees and beneficiaries throughout Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, Keller, North Richland Hills, and the wider Tarrant County region as they navigate the essential government and legal processes connected to trust administration. While trusts often avoid the traditional probate court process, trustees must still interact with multiple agencies to obtain records, update legal documents, comply with tax laws, and ensure proper transfer of trust assets.

These interactions can be confusing and time-sensitive, especially for individuals managing a trust for the first time. Our Fort Worth team provides clear, step-by-step support to ensure trustees complete all required filings accurately and efficiently—protecting the trust, the beneficiaries, and the trustee from costly mistakes.

How Legal & Government Agencies Affect Trust Administration

Trust administration often requires communication with several state, local, and federal agencies, including:

• Social Security Administration (SSA)
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Texas Department of State Health Services – Vital Statistics
• Texas Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP)
• Tarrant County Clerk – Real Property Records
• Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD)
  

Each agency plays a specific, legally significant role in verifying information, resolving benefits, updating ownership records, or handling tax obligations during trust administration.

Our Fort Worth Office guides trustees through every interaction to ensure full compliance with Texas law.

Texas Legal & Government Resources Available Through Our Fort Worth Office

Social Security Administration (SSA) Support

Trustees may need to contact SSA to ensure proper termination or adjustment of benefits after the grantor’s death. We help trustees:

• Report the death
• Stop monthly benefits
• Prevent benefit overpayments
• Request proof-of-benefits letters
• Apply for survivor or dependent benefits
• Address SSA inquiries

Correct SSA processing prevents delays and complications.

IRS Filings & Tax Compliance

Trusts often require federal tax filings. Our Fort Worth team assists trustees by:

• Obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for the trust
• Filing the grantor’s final income tax return
• Preparing the trust’s annual tax return (Form 1041)
• Responding to tax notices or audits
• Understanding the tax implications of trust distributions
• Coordinating with CPAs

Proper IRS compliance is critical before trust distributions can occur.

Texas Vital Statistics – Death Certificates & Legal Records

Certified death certificates are required for nearly all trust administration steps. We assist families by:

• Ordering certified death certificates
• Determining the number needed (usually 8–12)
• Requesting additional legal records (marriage, divorce, birth)
• Coordinating initial filings through funeral homes
• Clarifying processing times and fees

Having the correct documentation ensures smooth trust administration.

Texas Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP)

If the grantor received Medicaid long-term care services, MERP may attempt to recover costs. Trustees often need assistance in determining whether the trust is subject to recovery.

We help with:

• Reviewing MERP notices
• Identifying exemptions and protected assets
• Filing hardship waivers
• Preparing official responses
• Minimizing recovery impact on beneficiaries

Proper handling of MERP can protect trust assets.

Tarrant County Clerk – Property & Legal Filings

Real property held in the trust must often be re-titled or formally transferred. Our office assists trustees with:

• Recording deeds and affidavits
• Updating trust ownership details
• Correcting title discrepancies
• Securing certified copies of filings
• Handling mineral rights and property documentation

We work closely with Tarrant County property offices to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Texas DMV – Trust-Related Vehicle Transfers

Vehicles owned by the grantor or trust must be properly transferred to beneficiaries or maintained under trust ownership.

We support trustees with:

• Completing required DMV forms
• Providing proof of trustee authority
• Coordinating lien releases
• Updating vehicle titles

Accurate title handling prevents legal and financial complications later.

Veterans Affairs (VA) Resources

North Texas has a large veteran population, and many families managing trusts must coordinate with the VA.

Our Fort Worth Office helps trustees:

• Apply for burial or memorial benefits
• Verify service eligibility
• Obtain DD-214 or discharge records
• File for survivor benefits
• Coordinate military honors

These benefits provide meaningful support to surviving families.