Successor Trustee Duties in California: A Year-1 Checklist
The successor trustee duties California law assigns to you start the moment a parent or spouse dies. You may have just learned you are the named successor trustee on a California revocable living trust. The work ahead is structured and knowable, even if grief is not. Opelon LLP has administered hundreds of California trusts from […]
AB 565 Explained: How California’s New Virtual Representation Law Simplifies Trust Administration
California AB 565 virtual representation is the most significant change to trust administration notice rules in decades, and most California trustees don’t know it exists yet. Effective January 1, 2026, this new law rewrites Probate Code Section 15804 to let one beneficiary stand in for another who cannot act for themselves, eliminating costly court petitions that used to be the only option. If you serve as a trustee for a California trust with minor, incapacitated, or unborn beneficiaries, here is what you need to know.
California Trust Administration Process: Your Complete 8 Step Guide
The trust administration process can seem daunting when you’ve just lost a loved one and suddenly find yourself responsible for managing their trust. The good news is that unlike probate, trust administration in California typically happens outside of court, making it faster, more private, and significantly less costly. This guide walks you through each step so you know exactly what to do and when.
What is a Trustee? 8 Trustee Power Explained Super Simply!
A trustee holds the keys to your family’s financial future. When you create a California living trust, this person becomes responsible for managing everything you’ve worked to build, from your Carlsbad home to your retirement savings, and eventually distributing it to the people you love most.
Choosing the wrong trustee can unravel even the most carefully drafted estate plan. Choosing the right one gives your family protection, clarity, and peace of mind for generations.
If you’re creating a trust or have been named as someone’s trustee, understanding this role is essential. Here’s what every California family needs to know.