Supporting Families After the Loss of a Loved One
After the Loss of a Loved One, You Don’t Have to Navigate Alone
We help successor trustees carry out their responsibilities with clarity, care, and compassion - serving families across California.
When someone you love passes away, settling their affairs can feel overwhelming - especially if you’ve been named as a successor trustee. It’s an honor, but also a responsibility that comes with important legal and financial duties.
At Snyder Law, we’re here to guide you through every step of the trust administration process, with the support of a caring team that understands both the law and the emotions involved. Whether you’re local or elsewhere in California, we bring the personal service of a neighborhood firm with the reach and experience to support you wherever you are.
We help you:
- Understand the trust and your role
- Manage and safeguard estate assets
- Notify beneficiaries and fulfill legal requirements
- Pay debts, taxes, and final expenses
- Distribute assets as intended
- Minimize family stress and legal risk
You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ll make sure your loved one’s legacy is honored - and that you feel confident in every step you take.
Let’s start the conversation.
Carrying Out A Trust
And why you don’t want to do it alone.
If you’ve just learned that you’ve been named as a trustee, you may be wondering: Now what?
The truth is, administering a trust is a big responsibility. You’re being asked to carry out someone’s final wishes, manage their assets, and communicate clearly with family members who may be grieving - all while following strict legal rules.
That’s where we come in.
At Snyder Law, we help trustees across California navigate every legal, financial, and relational step of the trust administration process. We walk with you from start to finish - so you don’t have to worry about making costly mistakes, missing deadlines, or unintentionally creating tension with beneficiaries.
Here’s a sample of what most trustees are responsible for:
- Reading and interpreting the trust documents
- Gathering and safeguarding all trust assets
- Notifying beneficiaries and other interested parties
- Paying outstanding debts, taxes, and expenses
- Keeping accurate records and accounting
- Making fair and timely distributions
If assets were left out of the trust, or if minors are involved, probate court may still be necessary. And even with a fully funded trust, you could be held personally liable if things aren’t handled properly.
We’ve seen too many well-intentioned trustees run into avoidable legal trouble or family disputes - simply because they didn’t get help early enough. Let’s not let that happen to you.
Whether you’re just getting started or already feel in over your head, we’re here to guide you - with heart, clarity, and trusted experience.
Let’s start the conversation.
Trusted Legal Support
You don’t have to do this alone - and you really shouldn’t.
While it’s technically possible to handle trust administration on your own, most trustees quickly realize: this isn’t a simple to-do list. It’s a legal, financial, and emotional responsibility - often unfolding in the middle of grief.
That’s why working with a knowledgeable trust attorney isn’t just a smart move - it’s a protective one.
At Snyder Law, we help successor trustees across California avoid costly mistakes, reduce personal liability, and move through the process with clarity and confidence. We also collaborate with your family’s existing advisors to make the experience smoother for everyone involved.
Here’s what we help you manage:
- Determining estate value and identifying all trust assets
- Resolving debts, expenses, and tax obligations
- Preventing unnecessary property tax reassessments (under Prop 13)
- Navigating retirement account rules and avoiding tax traps
- Distributing assets fairly and efficiently to all beneficiaries
- Keeping clear records to protect yourself from future disputes
One mistake - like missing a deadline, undervaluing a property, or mishandling a retirement account - can lead to serious financial consequences or family conflict.
With Snyder Law, you’ll have a steady, experienced team by your side to guide you through every detail - so you can honor your loved one’s legacy without carrying the burden alone.
