Many clients choose to use a living trust to avoid the probate process as it can be costly and time consuming.

 

At death, the settlement of a trust can usually be handled quickly and efficiently.

 

However, an attorney is still necessary in assisting the trustee through the settlement process, especially for clients with larger estates or more complicated assets. An attorney can help guide the trustee to liquidate and transfer assets, make the distributions to the beneficiaries according to the terms of the trust, and prepare the necessary documents to release the trustee from their fiduciary duty.