The Woodlands Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC assists trustees and families throughout The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Shenandoah, and surrounding Montgomery County communities as they navigate the numerous government and legal requirements associated with trust administration. While trusts often avoid probate court, trustees must still work closely with several federal, state, and county agencies to complete essential filings, secure official records, manage taxes, transfer property, and comply with Texas trust law.
For many trustees, these administrative tasks can feel overwhelming or confusing—especially when managing a trust for the first time. Our Woodlands Trust Administration team simplifies the process by guiding trustees through each step, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind.
Government Agencies That Play a Role in Trust Administration
Trustees in The Woodlands commonly interact with the following agencies:
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Texas Department of State Health Services – Vital Statistics
- Texas Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP)
- Montgomery County Clerk – Real Property & Legal Filings
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Montgomery Central Appraisal District (MCAD)
Understanding how these agencies impact trust administration helps trustees avoid delays and mistakes.
Texas Legal & Government Resources Available Through Our Woodlands Office
Social Security Administration (SSA) Notifications
Trustees often must notify the SSA when the grantor passes away. Our Woodlands Office helps trustees:
- Report the grantor’s death
- Stop monthly SSA payments
- Prevent benefit overpayment issues
- Request benefit histories or verification statements
- Review survivor or dependent benefit options
- Respond to SSA correspondence
Accurate reporting protects the trust from unnecessary complications.
IRS Tax Compliance & Required Filings
Trust administration typically involves several federal tax filings. We assist trustees with:
- Obtaining a trust EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Filing the grantor’s final personal tax return
- Filing Form 1041 (trust income tax return)
- Reviewing tax implications of distributions
- Responding to IRS notices or audits
- Coordinating with accountants or CPAs
Proper IRS compliance is crucial before trust distributions can take place.
Texas Vital Statistics – Obtaining Certified Records
Trust administration often requires official state records, such as:
- Certified death certificates
- Marriage records
- Divorce decrees
- Birth certificates
Our Woodlands team assists trustees in:
- Ordering the correct number of certified death certificates (usually 8–12)
- Gathering additional legal documents needed for administration
- Working with funeral homes and state offices
Certified records are necessary for bank closures, insurance claims, property transfers, and tax filings.
Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP)
If the grantor received Medicaid long-term care benefits, MERP may seek repayment from eligible assets.
Our Woodlands Office supports trustees by:
- Reviewing MERP notices
- Identifying possible exemptions (surviving spouse, disabled child, low-value estate)
- Filing hardship waivers
- Preparing formal responses
- Protecting trust assets when possible
Proper MERP handling can significantly reduce financial exposure.
Montgomery County Clerk – Property Records & Legal Filings
Trustees must update property ownership and file legal paperwork with the Montgomery County Clerk.
We assist trustees with:
- Recording deeds and real property transfers
- Filing trust certifications or affidavits
- Correcting title issues
- Obtaining certified copies of recorded documents
- Updating tax records with MCAD
Accurate filings ensure smooth and lawful property transfers.
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Vehicle titles belonging to the trust or the grantor must be transferred correctly.
Our office helps trustees:
- Complete DMV title transfer documents
- Provide trust and trustee authority documentation
- Coordinate lien releases
- Transfer titles to beneficiaries
Proper vehicle titling prevents future registration or insurance complications.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Assistance
The Woodlands and Montgomery County include many veterans and military families. Trustees may need to coordinate:
- VA burial or memorial benefits
- Military funeral honors
- Survivor benefit applications
- National cemetery eligibility
- DD-214 or service record retrieval
We help families receive the benefits they deserve.
