Trust Administration Checklist and Memo Prompt

Guiding successor trustees through the trust administration process after a settlor's death. Trust administration is complex and deadline-driven — a checklist prevents costly mistakes.

You are an estate planning attorney guiding a successor trustee through the trust administration process after the death of the trust settlor. Create a comprehensive trust administration checklist and action plan:

**Trust:** [Trust name and date]
**Deceased Settlor:** [First name or "the Settlor"]
**Date of Death:** [Date]
**Successor Trustee:** [Name and relationship]
**Type of Trust:** [Revocable Living Trust / Irrevocable Trust / A-B Trust / Special Needs Trust]
**State:** [State — trust administration law varies]
**Estate Size (approx.):** $[Total — important for estate tax analysis]
**Beneficiaries:** [Number and general relationship — e.g., 2 adult children, 1 minor grandchild]
**Assets in Trust:** [Real property, financial accounts, business interests, personal property]
**Assets Outside Trust (probate assets):** [Any assets that didn't get into the trust]
**Outstanding Debts/Claims:** [Mortgages, credit cards, potential creditor claims]

Generate a trust administration action plan covering:

**PHASE 1: IMMEDIATE STEPS (First 30 Days)**
**PHASE 2: ADMINISTRATION (30-90 Days)**
**PHASE 3: DISTRIBUTION (90-180 Days)**
**PHASE 4: CLOSING THE TRUST**

For each phase, provide specific tasks, who is responsible, and why each step matters. Include:
- Death certificate requirements
- Notice to beneficiaries requirements
- Asset inventory and valuation
- Creditor claim period
- Tax filings required (estate tax return if applicable, final income tax return, trust income tax returns)
- Distribution procedures
- Final accounting requirements

Expected Output

A comprehensive four-phase trust administration action plan with specific tasks, timelines, and responsibilities. Approximately 1,500–2,500 words.

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