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Comprehensive Trust Administration Information
Trust administration begins after the trust creator’s death and requires careful attention to legal and financial duties. In Wilton, California, trustees and beneficiaries benefit from a clear understanding of timelines, required notifications, asset management, and distribution protocols under state law. This guide outlines practical steps and common considerations to help trustees fulfill their obligations while protecting beneficiaries’ interests. By knowing what to expect and preparing thoroughly, trustees can reduce delays, avoid common errors, and complete administration tasks in a manner that honors the trust creator’s intentions and complies with California requirements.
Whether you are a newly appointed trustee or a beneficiary seeking clarity, this overview focuses on the practical aspects of administering a trust in Wilton. It covers identifying and securing assets, required communications with beneficiaries, handling debts and taxes, and completing distributions in accordance with the trust document. The information here is intended to empower parties to take organized, timely action and to help minimize disputes and administrative costs. Understanding these responsibilities up front supports a smoother process and helps trustees meet fiduciary duties with transparency and accountability.
Why Trust Administration Matters for Wilton Residents
Proper trust administration preserves the grantor’s intent and protects beneficiaries’ interests while ensuring compliance with applicable laws. For Wilton residents, careful administration reduces the likelihood of disputes, helps maintain estate value, and eases transitions for loved ones during a difficult time. Attention to documentation, timely tax filings, and methodical asset management can prevent costly mistakes and delays. Trustees who follow a consistent process foster transparency and confidence among beneficiaries, which often leads to fewer misunderstandings and a more orderly distribution of assets according to the trust’s terms.
About LA Estate Plans and Our Wilton Trust Administration Services
LA Estate Plans serves Wilton residents with a focus on wills, trusts, and probate matters. Our practice emphasizes clear communication, careful review of trust documents, and practical guidance through every phase of trust administration. We assist trustees in locating assets, managing liabilities, communicating with beneficiaries, and completing required filings. Our commitment is to help clients carry out trust provisions accurately, protect estate value, and resolve issues efficiently, while keeping clients informed at each step of the process in a manner that reflects local legal standards and procedures.
Understanding Trust Administration in Wilton
Trust administration is a sequence of legal and financial tasks that begin after the trust creator passes away and the trustee assumes responsibilities. Key activities include locating and securing assets, notifying beneficiaries, settling debts and taxes, and distributing property in line with the trust document. In Wilton, following California’s procedural requirements and timelines is essential to avoid liability and to ensure beneficiaries receive their intended distributions. Trustees should also maintain accurate records of transactions and communications to demonstrate compliance and transparency throughout the process.
Complexities in administration can arise from diverse asset types, out-of-state property, business interests, or disputes among beneficiaries. Trustees must balance administrative duties with the duty to preserve estate value and act impartially for all beneficiaries. Practical challenges can include valuing assets, coordinating tax filings, and liquidating items when necessary. Proactive planning, organized record-keeping, and thoughtful communication with beneficiaries help reduce friction and support a more efficient administration tailored to the trust’s terms and the needs of those involved.
Defining Trust Administration and Its Purpose
Trust administration is the organized process of managing, safeguarding, and distributing trust assets according to the trust document and applicable law. It begins with identifying the trust and locating the trust instrument, followed by securing assets, notifying beneficiaries, and addressing financial obligations. Throughout the administration period, the trustee has a duty to keep accurate records, communicate developments to beneficiaries, and take actions that align with the trust creator’s instructions. The ultimate goal is to complete distributions and close the trust in a manner that honors the grantor’s intent while adhering to statutory requirements.
Key Elements and Common Trust Administration Steps
Core elements of trust administration include document review, asset identification and inventory, beneficiary notification, debt and tax resolution, asset management, and final distribution. Trustees typically begin by locating the trust document and assessing its terms, then proceed to gather financial records and appraisals as needed. Trustees must also determine tax obligations and may need to coordinate with financial institutions, title companies, and tax professionals. Clear documentation of each step and timely communications with beneficiaries help keep the process organized and reduce the risk of disputes or delays.
Key Terms and Glossary for Trust Administration
Familiarity with common terms helps trustees and beneficiaries navigate administration tasks with greater confidence. This glossary highlights frequently used words and concepts related to trusts, trustee duties, beneficiary rights, trust documents, and common procedural steps. Understanding these terms aids in interpreting the trust document and coordinating necessary actions such as asset transfers, tax filings, and beneficiary accounting. Clear definitions support better decision-making and smoother communications during the administration process.
Trustee
A trustee is the individual or corporate entity charged with managing trust assets and carrying out the instructions set forth in the trust document. The trustee must act in accordance with the terms of the trust and follow applicable state laws while keeping beneficiaries informed. Duties include locating and safeguarding trust property, managing investments prudently, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries per the trust’s provisions. Trustees are expected to maintain accurate records of all trust activities and to act impartially for all beneficiaries.
Trust Document
The trust document is the written instrument that creates the trust and specifies the grantor’s instructions for asset management and distribution. It identifies the trustee and beneficiaries, outlines distribution schedules or conditions, and may include provisions for trustee powers and limitations. The trust document serves as the governing blueprint for administration, and the trustee’s actions should align with its terms. Reviewing the document carefully at the outset is essential to understanding obligations and permissible actions during administration.
Beneficiary
A beneficiary is a person or organization entitled to receive benefits or assets from a trust according to the trust document. Beneficiaries have certain rights to information about the trust and to receive distributions as directed. Trustees must communicate with beneficiaries about the administration process, provide accountings when required, and ensure distributions are carried out according to the trust’s terms. Beneficiaries can raise concerns or disputes if they believe the trustee is not fulfilling obligations or is mismanaging the trust.
Trust Administration
Trust administration refers to the sequence of activities involved in managing and distributing trust assets following the trust creator’s death or other triggering event. This encompasses locating the trust document, securing and valuing assets, notifying beneficiaries, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property in line with the trust’s provisions. Proper administration requires attention to timelines, legal notices, and accurate record-keeping to ensure compliance with state law and transparent handling of the estate for beneficiaries.
Comparing Approaches to Trust Administration
Trustees in Wilton may pursue different approaches to administration depending on the trust’s complexity and the needs of beneficiaries. Some matters can be handled with a streamlined or limited approach when assets are straightforward and beneficiaries are cooperative. Other situations benefit from a comprehensive approach that addresses valuation, litigation risk, tax issues, and more detailed record-keeping. Choosing the right path involves weighing asset types, beneficiary dynamics, potential disputes, and the trustee’s comfort with administrative responsibilities, with the goal of completing administration efficiently and in accordance with the trust terms.
When a Streamlined Administration Approach Works:
Simple Asset Portfolios
When trust assets are limited to straightforward holdings such as cash, publicly traded securities, or a small number of clear-title properties, trustees can often proceed with a streamlined administration. These scenarios typically require less complex valuation and transfer procedures, making it easier to close the trust in a shorter timeframe. Cooperation among beneficiaries and a clear trust document help facilitate an efficient process. Trustees should still document actions and follow required notices and filings to ensure legal compliance and maintain transparency.
Low Risk of Dispute
When beneficiaries are in agreement about the trust’s terms and there are no competing claims or ambiguities, a limited administration approach can reduce administrative costs and speed distribution. Clear communications and consistent record-keeping can maintain harmony among parties and prevent misunderstandings. Trustees should remain attentive to their duties and prepared to shift to a more extensive process if unexpected issues arise. Even with a limited approach, adherence to statutory notification and accounting requirements remains important to protect all parties involved.
Why a Thorough Administration May Be Advisable:
Complex or High-Value Assets
Trusts that include business interests, real estate with title issues, collectibles, or significant investment portfolios often require a more thorough administration process. Proper valuation, risk assessment, and protections for estate assets are more likely needed in these contexts. Handling diverse asset types may involve coordination with appraisers, financial advisors, and tax professionals, as well as careful documentation of decisions. A comprehensive approach helps ensure that assets are transferred appropriately and that beneficiaries receive their intended shares in a manner that preserves estate value.
Disputes or Unclear Trust Terms
When beneficiaries dispute the trust’s terms, when the validity of provisions is questioned, or when the document contains ambiguous instructions, a thorough administration approach helps manage risks and navigate potential litigation. Addressing contested issues early and documenting decision-making can reduce the chances of prolonged court involvement. Trustees may need assistance interpreting complex language, mediating disagreements among beneficiaries, or defending administration actions if challenged, all of which benefit from a careful, documented process.
Advantages of a Full-Service Trust Administration
A comprehensive approach to trust administration reduces the chance of oversights and helps ensure legal compliance at every stage. When trustees take a detailed path, they address tax obligations, creditor claims, and asset preservation proactively. This reduces potential liability for the trustee and minimizes the likelihood of litigation after distributions. Thorough documentation and transparent communications support beneficiary confidence and create a clear record of decisions, actions, and the rationale behind those actions throughout the administration process.
Comprehensive administration often results in smoother settlement of the trust because it anticipates complications and includes steps to resolve them before they escalate. Trustees who follow a full-service process are better equipped to handle complex valuations, work with professionals to protect assets, and address tax matters and creditor claims properly. This level of attention can preserve estate value and ensure that beneficiaries receive their intended inheritances in a timely, orderly, and legally compliant manner.
Minimized Legal and Financial Risk
A thorough administration reduces exposure to legal and financial complications by resolving creditor claims, addressing tax reporting, and documenting key decisions. Trustees who follow careful procedures can demonstrate compliance with fiduciary responsibilities, which helps protect them from accusations of misconduct or liability. Detailed records and professional coordination for complex assets also support defensible decision-making if questions arise after distributions have been made.
Improved Communication and Transparency
Comprehensive administration emphasizes clear, ongoing communication with beneficiaries and thorough record-keeping. Regular updates, documented accounting, and responsiveness to beneficiary inquiries foster trust and reduce anxiety during the administration period. Transparent procedures can help prevent surprises, clarify expectations about timing and distributions, and make it easier to resolve concerns before they escalate into formal disputes, which benefits all parties involved.
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Practical Tips for Trust Administration
Maintain Organized Records
Keeping thorough and organized records is essential throughout administration. Create a central file that includes the trust document, asset inventories, bank statements, appraisal reports, and receipts for any expenditures made on behalf of the trust. Accurate records support transparency with beneficiaries and help demonstrate that trustee decisions were reasonable and consistent with the trust’s terms. Well-maintained documentation also simplifies the preparation of required accountings and tax filings, making it easier to address questions or audit inquiries should they arise.
Communicate Regularly with Beneficiaries
Understand Legal Duties and Timelines
Trustees should familiarize themselves with their legal obligations under California law and the trust document’s specific instructions. This includes required notices to beneficiaries, timelines for filing tax returns, and procedures for addressing creditor claims. Missing a deadline or failing to provide required notices can lead to personal liability. Planning ahead, consulting relevant statutes, and documenting actions taken to meet obligations help trustees act prudently and reduce the risk of procedural errors that could delay administration or expose the trust to challenge.
Reasons to Consider Professional Trust Administration Support
Trust administration can involve complex legal and financial responsibilities that many trustees find time-consuming and unfamiliar. Professional guidance can provide structured processes for locating assets, handling tax matters, and managing creditor claims. For trustees balancing administration duties with personal or professional obligations, assistance can help ensure deadlines are met and records are maintained, reducing the chance of costly mistakes. Support also helps guide trustees through difficult communications with beneficiaries and provides procedures for fair distribution according to the trust terms.
Engaging experienced assistance can be particularly helpful when trusts include complex asset types, out-of-state property, or potential disputes among beneficiaries. Professional support helps identify and address legal issues early, coordinate necessary valuations, and prepare required filings so the trust can be settled effectively. Whether the goal is to minimize risk, streamline the administration timeline, or ensure clear documentation for final distributions, structured support can provide practical benefits that protect the estate and the rights of beneficiaries throughout the process.
Common Situations That Trigger Trust Administration
Trust administration is generally required when the trust creator dies or when the trust specifies a change, termination, or distribution event. Situations that commonly require administration include the death of the grantor, changes in beneficiary status due to death or incapacity, and circumstances where beneficiaries request distribution or modification under the trust’s terms. Other triggers can include disputes over the trust’s validity, creditor claims against the estate, or complex asset issues that require professional coordination to resolve.
Death of the Trust Creator
The trust administration process typically begins with the passing of the trust creator, which activates the trustee’s duty to manage and distribute assets per the trust’s terms. This involves locating the trust document, identifying assets, notifying beneficiaries, and addressing outstanding obligations. Trustees must act responsibly to protect estate property, begin required communications, and take steps to preserve value and settle debts before distributions are made. A careful initial response sets the tone for the remainder of the administration process.
Changes in Beneficiary Status
When beneficiaries die, become incapacitated, or otherwise change status, trustees must reassess the distribution plan and take steps required by the trust instrument and law. This may involve updating records, coordinating with successor beneficiaries, or modifying distribution methods when permitted. Trustees should document decisions and any consultative steps taken to confirm proper interpretation of trust provisions. Clear record-keeping and communications help ensure that changes in beneficiary status are handled fairly and in accordance with the trust creator’s intent.
Trust Termination or Modification
When a trust reaches its termination event or when the trust document permits modifications, trustees must follow the specified procedures to conclude administration or implement changes. This often includes final asset distribution, settling outstanding liabilities, and filing necessary reports or accountings. Trustees must ensure all instructions are carried out in alignment with the trust terms and applicable law, and that beneficiaries receive proper notice of closure or modification steps taken on behalf of the trust.
Support Available for Trust Administration in Wilton
Why Choose LA Estate Plans for Trust Administration
Choosing a firm to assist with trust administration should be guided by a preference for clear communication, methodical procedures, and familiarity with California trust law. LA Estate Plans focuses on helping trustees understand obligations, meet deadlines, and maintain proper records. We work to keep beneficiaries informed and to protect estate assets through coordinated steps that align with the trust’s provisions, aiming to reduce delays and avoid common pitfalls that can complicate distributions.
Our services include an initial review of the trust document, help with asset identification and valuation, assistance with creditor and tax matters, and guidance through final distributions and trust closure. We emphasize practical, step-by-step support that helps trustees navigate complex administrative tasks while maintaining transparency with beneficiaries. This approach helps ensure that actions taken on behalf of the trust are documented and defensible if questions arise during or after the administration period.
Clients working with LA Estate Plans receive timely communication and a structured process aimed at achieving fair, lawful outcomes for trustees and beneficiaries. Whether the trust is straightforward or involves more complex asset management or potential disputes, our goal is to provide clarity, protect estate value, and assist trustees in meeting legal obligations while keeping beneficiaries informed throughout the administration process.
Contact LA Estate Plans to Discuss Your Trust Administration Needs
Our Trust Administration Process in Wilton
Our process guides trustees through clearly defined steps to complete administration in an orderly manner. We begin with a review of the trust document, then identify and secure assets, coordinate required notices, address debts and taxes, and facilitate distributions. Throughout each stage we document actions, maintain communication with beneficiaries, and prepare necessary filings. This structured approach helps trustees meet legal obligations, protect estate assets, and conclude administration in a way that aligns with the trust creator’s intent and California law.
Initial Review and Asset Identification
The first phase focuses on locating the trust document, determining the trustee’s responsibilities, and identifying assets held in the trust. This foundational step sets priorities for securing property and establishing a clear inventory for future actions. Trustees should gather financial statements, deeds, account records, and any documentation that confirms ownership or value. A thorough initial review helps establish a roadmap for administration and clarifies the tasks needed to protect and manage estate assets properly.
Reviewing the Trust Document
Careful examination of the trust document is essential to determine distribution instructions, trustee powers, and any conditions or timelines set by the trust creator. This review clarifies responsibilities and helps identify potential issues that may affect administration, such as ambiguous language or specific procedures required by the trust. Document review informs subsequent steps including asset identification, beneficiary notice procedures, and the overall strategy for completing administration in accordance with the trust’s terms.
Locating and Securing Trust Assets
Once the trust terms are understood, trustees should locate and secure all assets to protect estate value. This includes bank and brokerage accounts, real property titles, personal property, insurance policies, and business interests. Securing assets may involve changing account access, safeguarding physical property, and arranging for appraisals when required. Prompt action to protect assets helps prevent loss or depletion and supports an orderly administration process that preserves resources for distribution to beneficiaries.
Notification and Financial Management
During this phase, trustees notify beneficiaries of the trust’s existence and manage financial obligations, including the payment of valid debts, expenses, and taxes. Trustees must follow statutory notice requirements and provide necessary information to beneficiaries. Financial management tasks include evaluating creditor claims, preparing and filing tax returns, and maintaining accurate transaction records. Diligent handling of these responsibilities helps ensure compliance and prepares the estate for final distribution.
Communicating with Beneficiaries
Effective communication with beneficiaries involves providing timely notice, sharing essential information about the trust and its timeline, and responding to reasonable inquiries. Clear written updates and documented communications create a transparent record and help set expectations about distributions and milestones. Trustees should aim to be fair and consistent in communications to maintain trust among beneficiaries and to reduce the likelihood of disputes during administration.
Handling Debts and Tax Obligations
Trustees are responsible for identifying and paying legitimate debts and, when necessary, preparing estate or fiduciary tax returns. This may involve investigating creditor claims, negotiating where appropriate, and ensuring required filings are completed accurately and on time. Proper handling of tax matters and debts preserves estate assets for beneficiaries and reduces exposure to personal liability for the trustee. Accurate documentation and professional coordination when needed support sound decision-making in these important areas.
Asset Distribution and Trust Closure
The final stage of administration focuses on distributing assets to beneficiaries in accordance with the trust document and completing the steps necessary to close the trust. This includes transferring property titles, liquidating assets when appropriate, preparing final accountings, and resolving any remaining obligations. Trustees should confirm that distributions reflect the trust’s terms and that all required paperwork is completed to formally conclude the administration process.
Distributing Trust Assets
Distributing assets requires careful attention to the trust’s instructions, accurate valuations, and proper transfer mechanisms. Trustees should verify beneficiary entitlements, select appropriate methods for transferring property, and ensure documentation supports each transaction. Where assets must be liquidated to facilitate distribution, trustees should seek fair market valuations and act prudently to preserve estate value. Clear records of transfers protect trustees and provide beneficiaries with a complete accounting of how assets were allocated.
Finalizing Administration and Closing the Trust
Finalizing administration includes preparing and delivering any required final accountings, resolving outstanding matters, and filing documents necessary to close the trust. Trustees should confirm that debts and taxes have been paid, distribution instructions fulfilled, and records preserved. Completing these tasks carefully ensures beneficiaries receive their distributions and that the trustee can demonstrate compliance with the trust terms and applicable law, allowing the trust to be closed responsibly.
The Proof is in Our Performance
Frequently Asked Questions About Trust Administration in Wilton
What are the basic duties of a trustee during trust administration?
A trustee’s core duties include locating and securing trust assets, reviewing the trust document to understand distribution directives, and taking steps to preserve estate value until distributions are made. The trustee must also manage financial obligations such as paying debts and taxes, maintain accurate records of all transactions, and act impartially on behalf of all beneficiaries. Consistent documentation and a methodical approach support transparency and help demonstrate compliance with the terms of the trust and applicable law. Trustees should also communicate promptly with beneficiaries, provide required notices, and prepare accountings when necessary. Where complex decisions arise—such as handling business interests or selling property—the trustee should seek appropriate professional input and document reasoning for actions taken. Maintaining clear communication and following structured procedures reduces the risk of disputes and helps ensure distributions are completed in an orderly fashion.
How long does trust administration usually take in Wilton?
The duration of trust administration varies with the trust’s complexity, the nature of assets, and whether disputes occur among beneficiaries. Simple trusts with clear assets and cooperative beneficiaries may be completed in several months, particularly if tax filings and creditor matters are straightforward. Trustees should plan for administrative tasks such as notifications, valuations, and transfers that take time to complete properly. More complex estates, assets requiring lengthy valuation or sale processes, or contested matters can extend administration to a year or longer. Factors such as filing estate or fiduciary tax returns, liquidating business interests, or resolving beneficiary disputes all impact the timeline. Trustees who document decisions and follow a structured process can help keep administration moving efficiently despite potential delays.
What notices must a trustee provide to beneficiaries?
Trustees are generally required to provide written notice to beneficiaries informing them of the trust’s existence, their status as beneficiaries, and the trustee’s contact information. California law sets certain timing and content requirements for these notices, and trustees should follow those procedures carefully to preserve rights and meet legal obligations. Clear notification helps beneficiaries understand their interests and the expected administration timeline. In addition to the initial notice, beneficiaries may be entitled to periodic accountings or updates depending on the trust’s terms and state requirements. Trustees should respond to reasonable beneficiary inquiries and maintain records of communications. Providing consistent information reduces misunderstandings and supports a transparent administration process.
Do trustees need to file tax returns for the trust?
Trustees may need to file income tax returns for the trust or the grantor’s final individual returns, depending on the circumstances and timing of distributions. Fiduciary tax obligations depend on whether the trust generates income during administration and whether assets are sold or produce taxable events. Trustees should determine filing responsibilities early and keep careful records to support accurate reporting. Because tax obligations can significantly affect estate value and distribution timing, trustees often coordinate with tax professionals to ensure correct filings and to address any estate or fiduciary tax liabilities. Proper tax handling helps avoid penalties and supports a smoother administration process for beneficiaries.
Can a trustee be removed during administration?
A trustee can be removed under certain circumstances, such as breach of fiduciary duties, incapacity, or failure to administer the trust properly. Removal typically requires following procedures outlined in the trust document or seeking court intervention when necessary. Beneficiaries who believe a trustee is not fulfilling duties may petition the court for removal, and the court will evaluate whether removal is in the best interest of the trust and its beneficiaries. Before pursuing removal, beneficiaries often attempt resolution through communication or mediation. Trustees should address concerns proactively and document their actions. Maintaining transparent records and engaging with beneficiaries constructively can sometimes resolve issues without court involvement, but courts remain an option when serious breaches occur.
How should trustees handle creditor claims against the trust?
When creditor claims arise, trustees should carefully review the validity of each claim and follow required procedures for notice and resolution. Proper handling includes confirming the legitimacy of claims, determining priority under law, and paying valid obligations from trust assets. Trustees should document decisions regarding creditor claims and keep beneficiaries informed as appropriate to maintain transparency during the administration process. If claims are disputed, trustees may need to seek legal guidance to resolve contested demands or to protect estate assets. Timely attention to creditor matters helps prevent personal liability for the trustee and ensures that legitimate obligations are addressed before distributions are made to beneficiaries.
What steps should be taken to value trust assets?
Valuing trust assets involves gathering documentation such as appraisals, account statements, and property records to determine fair market value as of the relevant date. Certain assets, like real property or closely held business interests, often require professional appraisals to establish a defensible value. Trustees should obtain appropriate valuations and retain supporting documentation to justify distribution decisions and tax filings. Accurate valuations are important for equitable distributions and for tax reporting obligations. When assets are difficult to value, trustees may consult with appraisers, accountants, or other qualified professionals to obtain reliable valuations that reflect current market conditions and support the trustee’s decisions during administration.
How are disputes between beneficiaries typically resolved?
Disputes between beneficiaries are often addressed first through open communication and attempts at informal resolution. Trustees can facilitate discussions, provide accountings, and clarify trust terms to help resolve misunderstandings. When informal resolution is unsuccessful, mediation or arbitration may be helpful options that avoid the delay and expense of litigation while providing a structured forum for reaching agreement. If conflicts cannot be resolved through alternative dispute resolution, beneficiaries or trustees may seek court intervention to resolve contested matters. Courts can interpret the trust’s terms, adjudicate claims, and, when necessary, supervise administration. Addressing disputes promptly and documenting efforts to resolve issues helps preserve estate value and reduces prolonged conflict.
When is court involvement necessary in trust administration?
Court involvement may be necessary when trust terms are ambiguous, when beneficiaries contest the validity of the trust, or when disputes arise that parties cannot resolve through negotiation. Courts also become involved when a trustee’s actions are challenged or when formal approval of certain transactions is required. Petitioning the court may provide clarity or authority for contested decisions, but it can extend the administration timeline and add additional costs to the estate. Trustees and beneficiaries often try to avoid litigation by using mediation or seeking clarification through informal channels when possible. When legal proceedings are unavoidable, careful documentation of administration steps and professional guidance can help present the trustee’s decisions clearly and support compliance with legal standards in court.
How can beneficiaries obtain information about the trust?
Beneficiaries have the right to request information about the trust and its administration, including the trust document, accountings, and details about asset management and distributions. Trustees should provide required disclosures and respond to reasonable requests in a timely and transparent manner. Maintaining open lines of communication and providing regular updates helps beneficiaries understand the process and fosters cooperation. When beneficiaries believe they are not receiving appropriate information, they may request formal accountings or seek court assistance to enforce disclosure rights. Trustees who maintain organized records and provide clear communications reduce the likelihood of disputes and demonstrate that administration actions were conducted responsibly and in accordance with the trust’s terms.