Trust Administration - Help for Trustees & Beneficiaries in SC

Stepping In as Trustee

What to Do When It's Suddenly Your Turn

Being named a successor trustee is an honor-and a serious set of responsibilities. Many trustees are family members who have never handled a trust before. Babb, Bixler & Dollar LLC regularly counsels trustees in Greenville, Mauldin, and Simpsonville on what to do first, how to communicate with beneficiaries, and how to follow the trust's instructions under South Carolina law.

Trustee's Duties Overview

Core Tasks We Help You Complete

Notify & Communicate
Give required notices and provide information beneficiaries are entitled to see.

Marshal Assets
Locate bank accounts, investments, and real estate; obtain appraisals where appropriate.

Invest Prudently
Manage assets with care and document decisions consistently with the prudent investor standard.

Pay Debts & Expenses
Use trust funds for authorized obligations and track every transaction.

Trust Accounting
Maintain detailed records and, when needed, deliver formal accountings that beneficiaries and courts will accept.

Distribute or Manage Ongoing
Make distributions as the trust directs-or manage continuing trusts for minors, staged gifts, or special needs.

Navigating Legal and Tax Requirements

Documents, IDs, and Returns-Done the Right Way

After the grantor's death, the trust usually needs a new tax ID (EIN). We coordinate with CPAs on tax filings and ensure deeds, affidavits, and titles match the trust's terms. If assets flow from a pour-over will, we align steps with probate so nothing falls through the cracks.

Beneficiary Relations & Conflict Avoidance

Transparency That Builds Trust-and Prevents Disputes

Clear updates, written guidelines, and timely distributions reduce friction. If questions arise, we can communicate on your behalf or mediate concerns so the matter doesn't escalate into litigation. If litigation is unavoidable, our team is prepared.

If You're a Beneficiary

Understand Your Rights and Options

If you're worried a trustee is delaying distributions, not accounting, or ignoring the trust terms, we can explain your rights and seek documents or relief through the proper channels. Our goal is a timely, fair outcome that honors the trust.

Make Trust Management Easier

Local Counsel for Real-World Administration

With deep experience in Greenville and the Upstate, Babb, Bixler & Dollar LLC helps trustees complete their work accurately and efficiently-from first notices to final distributions.