The River Oaks Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC proudly serves trustees and families throughout River Oaks, Upper Kirby, West University, Montrose, Greenway Plaza, and the greater Central Houston area as they navigate the complex process of trust administration in Texas. Whether you are new to serving as a trustee or are a beneficiary seeking clarity about your rights, our River Oaks team provides knowledgeable, supportive, and detail-oriented legal guidance every step of the way.

Although trusts are often created to avoid probate, trust administration is not automatic. Trustees must carefully manage trust assets, communicate with beneficiaries, settle debts and taxes, safeguard property, and ensure that distributions follow the exact terms of the trust. Mistakes made during this process can lead to beneficiary disputes, legal liability, or delays in closing the trust. Our River Oaks team ensures trustees understand their fiduciary duties and execute them correctly under the Texas Trust Code.

What Is Trust Administration in Texas?

Trust administration refers to the legal and financial responsibilities carried out by the trustee once the grantor (the creator of the trust) passes away or becomes incapacitated. The trustee must faithfully follow the instructions in the trust document while complying with all relevant laws in Texas.

Key components of trust administration include:

Identifying & Securing Trust Assets

Trustees must begin by locating all assets owned by the trust, including:

• Bank and credit union accounts
• Investment and brokerage portfolios
• Real estate in River Oaks, West U, Upper Kirby, Montrose, or the Galleria area
• Life insurance proceeds and annuities
• Business interests and partnerships
• Vehicles and titled property
• Digital financial accounts
• Valuable personal property, artwork, or collections

Proper identification ensures all trust property is protected and accounted for.

Notifying Beneficiaries & Required Parties

Texas law requires trustees to:

• Notify beneficiaries that trust administration has begun
• Provide copies of the trust document upon request
• Communicate regularly and reasonably
• Answer beneficiary questions promptly

Strong communication prevents conflict and promotes transparency.

Managing & Valuing Trust Assets

Trustees must responsibly manage trust assets, which include:

• Keeping real estate insured and maintained
• Obtaining professional appraisals for real estate, art, or valuable property
• Managing investments under the Texas Prudent Investor Rule
• Paying ongoing expenses, property taxes, and insurance premiums
• Overseeing rental property or business interests, if applicable

Protecting asset value is essential to honoring the grantor’s intentions.

Paying Debts, Taxes & Administrative Expenses

Before distributing assets, trustees must ensure all financial obligations are settled:

• Valid creditor claims
• Federal income taxes (grantor’s final return)
• Trust income taxes (Form 1041 if required)
• Property taxes and insurance
• Trust administration expenses (legal, accounting, appraisal fees)

Failure to comply may expose the trustee to personal liability.

Maintaining Detailed Records & Accounting

Trustees must keep thorough records of:

• Financial transactions
• Deposits and withdrawals
• Communications with beneficiaries
• Investment decisions
• Property valuations
• All distributions

Beneficiaries may request formal accountings at any time.

Distributing Trust Assets

The final step is distributing trust assets exactly as the trust directs.

This includes:

• Preparing distribution schedules
• Filing transfer documents and recording deeds
• Coordinating investment or bank transfers
• Communicating distribution details to beneficiaries
• Documenting all transfers for legal protection

Our River Oaks team assists trustees through each distribution to ensure legal compliance and fairness.

Why Work With Our River Oaks Office?

Our Trust Administration team provides:

• Step-by-step guidance for first-time and experienced trustees
• Interpretation of complex trust terms
• Protection against trustee liability
• Expert assistance with valuations, accounting, and documentation
• Support in communicating with beneficiaries
• Mediation in disputes or misunderstandings
• Full legal oversight from start to finish

We ensure trustees fulfill their duties confidently and beneficiaries receive the transparency they deserve.