Administering a Trust in Washington requires careful attention to both the terms of the Trust document and state law, particularly the duties imposed by the Washington Trust Act. A Trustee must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, manage and invest Trust assets prudently, keep accurate records, and provide required information to beneficiaries. Trustees are also responsible for tasks such as collecting and safeguarding assets, paying valid debts and expenses, filing any necessary tax returns, and ultimately distributing Trust property according to the Trust’s instructions. While many Trusts are designed to avoid probate, Trust administration can still involve complex legal and financial decisions, so Trustees often benefit from working with experienced legal and financial advisors to ensure they fulfill their fiduciary duties and minimize the risk of disputes.
If you have questions about Trusts and Trust administration, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to see how we can be of service.