The River Oaks Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, provides trustees and families in River Oaks, Upper Kirby, West University, Montrose, Greenway Plaza, and surrounding Central Houston communities with comprehensive guidance on the legal and governmental requirements involved in trust administration. Although trusts typically avoid the probate court process, trustees must still work with multiple government agencies to complete filings, access official records, resolve tax matters, and legally transfer property.

Because many River Oaks estates involve high-value real estate, investment portfolios, business interests, or multi-state assets, trustees often encounter more complex legal requirements. Our River Oaks team ensures trustees understand which agencies are involved, what documents must be filed, and how to navigate administrative processes without delays or legal complications.

Government & Legal Processes Trustees Must Complete in Texas

Even with a trust in place, trustees must interact with several agencies to finalize the administration. These steps ensure the legal transfer of assets, compliance with tax laws, and the fulfillment of all state and federal requirements.

Social Security Administration (SSA) Notifications

After the grantor’s death, the SSA must be notified. Our River Oaks team assists trustees in:

• Filing official death notifications
• Preventing accidental benefit overpayments
• Securing benefit verification statements
• Addressing Social Security correspondence
• Reviewing eligibility for survivor or dependent benefits

Failure to notify SSA promptly can create repayment issues or administrative delays.

IRS – Federal Tax Filings & Compliance

Trusts usually require IRS filings, especially when assets produce income.

We assist trustees with:

• Obtaining an EIN for trust tax filings
• Filing the grantor’s final personal tax return
• Filing the trust’s Form 1041 income tax return
• Managing IRS notices, audits, or follow-up requests
• Working with CPAs for investment-heavy portfolios
• Understanding tax obligations before distribution

Proper IRS compliance is essential before trust closing.

Texas Vital Statistics – Essential Legal Documents

Certified vital records are required for many trust administration tasks.

We assist trustees with:

• Ordering certified death certificates
• Obtaining marriage or divorce documents if needed
• Requesting additional copies for title companies, banks, and insurers
• Coordinating with funeral homes and Texas DSHS

Most River Oaks trusts require 8–12 certified copies for legal and financial filings.

Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP)

If the grantor received Medicaid-funded long-term care, MERP may attempt to recover costs.

Our River Oaks attorneys help trustees:

• Determine if MERP applies to the trust
• Identify waiver and exemption opportunities
• Prepare formal hardship requests
• Respond to recovery notices
• Protect trust assets from unnecessary claims

MERP compliance is often overlooked and can create serious financial liabilities.

Harris County Clerk – Real Property & Legal Filings

Most River Oaks real estate transfers must be updated with the Harris County Clerk’s Office.

We assist with:

• Recording deeds, affidavits, and transfer documents
• Filing trust certifications
• Correcting title issues
• Obtaining certified copies of legal filings
• Ensuring property transfers meet Texas legal requirements

Accurate clerk filings prevent delays in distribution and future title disputes.

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Vehicles titled to the trust or the deceased must be legally transferred.

We support trustees with:

• Preparing DMV title transfer forms
• Providing trust documentation & proof of trustee authority
• Managing lienholder releases
• Completing beneficiary vehicle transfers

Proper titling prevents registration issues and insurance gaps.

Veterans Affairs (VA) Support for Veteran Families

River Oaks is home to many retired military professionals. Trustees may need to coordinate:

• Burial or memorial benefit applications
• Military honors
• VA survivor benefits
• DD-214 retrieval
• National cemetery eligibility

Our office helps families obtain benefits promptly and accurately.

Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) – Property Tax & Valuation Updates

Real estate value affects:

• Tax filings
• Asset valuation for distributions
• Trust accounting
• Homestead exemption adjustments

We help trustees:

• Update title and ownership with HCAD
• Request property tax information
• Correct appraisal discrepancies

Proper valuation is critical before trust distribution.