{"id":708,"date":"2026-10-15T16:39:31","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T16:39:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/34-139-105-30.nip.io\/?page_id=708"},"modified":"2026-10-16T08:20:56","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T08:20:56","slug":"trust-administration-lawyers-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-administration-lawyers-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Trust Administration Lawyers in Florida | Trust Counsel, PL"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-secondary-background-color has-background-dim-60 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"A fiduciary reviews trust documents, account statements, and distribution schedules at a desk in a trust administration office.\" src=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-fiduciary-reviews-trust-documents-account-statements-and-d-photo.jpg\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\">Trust Administration | Coral Gables, Florida<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Trust Administration Guidance for Trustees, Personal Representatives and Beneficiaries<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.769), 1.25rem);\">Trust Counsel, PL is a Coral Gables trusts and estates law firm. Our attorneys advise trustees, personal representatives and beneficiaries on trust administration, based on the trust instrument and Florida law.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13057077126\">Book a Strategy Call<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">Book a Strategy Call<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Leslie V. Marenco \u00b7 Published October 11, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>Trust administration lawyers in Florida help trustees, personal representatives and beneficiaries work through a trust after its creator, called the settlor, dies or becomes incapacitated. Each situation is different, and the details of a particular matter can shape which questions are worth asking. Trust Counsel, PL&#8217;s lawyers advise and represent these clients. The firm&#8217;s only office is in Coral Gables, and we serve clients in Florida. Here&#8217;s what that help covers, how the work usually moves, and how fees are set.<\/p>\n<h2>What Trust Administration Involves in Florida and Who It Is For<\/h2>\n<p>Trust administration is the management of a trust&#8217;s property and obligations under its terms and Florida law. It usually begins when a trust becomes irrevocable or a successor trustee steps in, though timing depends on the trust&#8217;s history. Except as otherwise provided in the terms of the trust, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0105.html\">Florida Trust Code<\/a> governs the duties and powers of a trustee, relations among trustees, and the rights and interests of a beneficiary.<\/p>\n<p>This work often involves:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Successor trustees named to take over a trust<\/li>\n<li>Personal representatives (often called an executor) handling a probate estate alongside a trust<\/li>\n<li>Beneficiaries and heirs who want information or have questions about their share<\/li>\n<li>Families with out-of-state or foreign ties, where accounts, property or relatives sit in more than one place<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The firm advises and represents trustees, personal representatives and beneficiaries. Trust Counsel&#8217;s attorneys can serve individually as trustee or personal representative, subject to the trust instrument and applicable law. The firm itself does not serve as a fiduciary.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-lawyer-in-a-professional-office-carefully-reviews-legal-do-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A lawyer in a professional office carefully reviews legal documents at a desk.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2>What Our Trust Administration Attorneys Cover<\/h2>\n<p>Our trust administration attorneys may advise on the following questions, depending on the trust terms, applicable law and the facts of each case.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Document review.<\/strong> Reading the trust, its amendments and the fiduciary&#8217;s powers under its terms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Beneficiary information.<\/strong> Depending on the trust instrument, applicable Florida law and the facts of each case, a trustee may have obligations to keep certain beneficiaries informed about the trust and its administration, which may include providing information or documents on request.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recordkeeping.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0810.html\">Florida law<\/a> provides that a trustee shall keep clear, distinct, and accurate records of the administration of the trust and shall keep trust property separate from the trustee&#8217;s own property, and how this applies can depend on the trust&#8217;s terms and the facts of each case.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accountings.<\/strong> A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.08135.html\">trust accounting<\/a> must be a reasonably understandable report, and it generally shows two values for each asset reasonably capable of valuation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tax questions.<\/strong> According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/pub\/irs-drop\/rp-25-32.pdf\">IRS guidance<\/a>, the basic exclusion amount under \u00a7 2010(c)(3) is increased to $15,000,000 for calendar year 2026. Whether any tax applies depends on the estate&#8217;s facts and federal law.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Settlement agreements.<\/strong> In some circumstances, and subject to the trust instrument, applicable Florida law and the facts of each case, interested persons may be able to resolve certain trust matters by agreement without a court proceeding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A matter may be referred to another lawyer or firm, depending on its scope. Litigation questions have their own page: see <a href=\"\/trust-litigation-attorney\/\">trust litigation attorney services<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>How the Trust Administration Process Typically Works<\/h2>\n<p>Most matters move through the same broad steps, though order and timing depend on the trust and the facts.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Initial review.<\/strong> Bring the trust, any amendments, death or incapacity records and a list of known assets.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Confirm authority.<\/strong> Check who may act and what the trust allows. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0704.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.0704<\/a>, a required vacancy in a noncharitable trusteeship is filled first by a person named in the trust, then by unanimous agreement of qualified beneficiaries, then by the court.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Notices.<\/strong> Under \u00a7 736.0813, a trustee generally must notify qualified beneficiaries within 60 days after accepting the trust. Trusts created before the code took effect may follow different rules.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Asset identification.<\/strong> Locate, secure and value trust property, and gather account statements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Debts, expenses and taxes.<\/strong> Address creditor claims, expenses and required tax filings as the facts require.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accounting and distribution.<\/strong> Prepare the accounting and make distributions as the trust terms and applicable law allow.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Closing.<\/strong> Document the final accounting, any plan for remaining assets, and the closing steps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Each step depends on the governing instrument, applicable Florida law and the facts of each case.<\/p>\n<h2>Timelines, Deadlines and What Changes Them<\/h2>\n<p>No single timeline fits every trust, because length depends on the assets, the beneficiaries and whether disputes arise. Some factors often slow the work:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Real estate or business interests that need valuation or sale<\/li>\n<li>Accounts or property in other states or countries<\/li>\n<li>Missing records or slow responses from beneficiaries<\/li>\n<li>Tax filings and creditor questions<\/li>\n<li>Court proceedings or litigation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Deadlines need careful reading. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.1008.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.1008<\/a>, a beneficiary may be barred from suing for breach of trust on a matter adequately disclosed in a trust disclosure document unless a proceeding starts within 6 months after receiving that document or a limitation notice, whichever is later. How that period applies depends on the disclosure history and the facts of each case.<\/p>\n<p>Statutory deadlines don&#8217;t apply the same way to every matter. Don&#8217;t assume a date from another case applies to yours. Bring the trust, any notices you&#8217;ve received and an asset list so the attorneys can discuss likely timing.<\/p>\n<h2>How Legal Fees Are Set for Trust Administration Work<\/h2>\n<p>Attorney fees are agreed between the client and the attorney according to the scope of the work. The scope depends on the trust, its assets, the beneficiaries and the work the client requests.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The complexity of the trust and the number of assets and accounts<\/li>\n<li>The number of beneficiaries and how much communication the work requires<\/li>\n<li>Whether a court filing, dispute or litigation is involved<\/li>\n<li>How much of the process the client wants the attorney to handle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>An attorney who has served a trust may sometimes seek fees from the trust. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.1005.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.1005<\/a>, the attorney may apply to the court after giving notice, and the court decides the application. Florida&#8217;s fee rule, <a href=\"https:\/\/www-media.floridabar.org\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2027_04-OCT-Chapter-4-RRTFB.pdf#page=23\">R. Regulating Fla. Bar 4-1.5<\/a>, addresses illegal, prohibited and clearly excessive fees.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Work With Trust Counsel, PL<\/h2>\n<p>Trust Counsel, PL focuses on trust and estate matters. That work includes trust administration, trust and probate litigation, estate planning, estate tax planning, business succession, asset protection and guardianship.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>One office.<\/strong> The firm&#8217;s only office is in Coral Gables. We serve clients in Florida.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clear roles.<\/strong> The firm does not serve as a fiduciary. Its lawyers advise and represent trustees, personal representatives and beneficiaries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Professional fiduciaries.<\/strong> Attorneys who advise professional trustees and personal representatives may bring knowledge of those roles, subject to applicable law and the trust terms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>No promised results.<\/strong> No lawyer can promise a particular result. Outcomes depend on the governing instrument, applicable law and the facts of each case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-woman-signs-legal-documents-with-a-pen-at-an-office-desk-r-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A woman signs legal documents with a pen at an office desk, representing trust administration services in Florida.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Trust Administration in Florida<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I have to hire a lawyer to administer a trust?<\/summary><p>It depends on the trust terms, the assets and the facts. A lawyer can advise you on what the trust and Florida law ask of you.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a Trust Counsel attorney serve as my trustee?<\/summary><p>Trust Counsel&#8217;s attorneys can serve individually as trustee or personal representative, subject to the trust instrument and applicable law. The firm itself does not serve as a fiduciary.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the difference between a trustee and a personal representative?<\/summary><p>A trustee manages trust property under the trust&#8217;s terms. A personal representative (often called an executor) handles a probate estate, and the scope of that role depends on Florida law and the will.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long does trust administration take?<\/summary><p>It depends on the trust, the assets and whether disputes arise. No fixed timeline fits every trust.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How are attorney fees set?<\/summary><p>Fees are agreed between the client and the attorney according to the scope of the work. Costs and any fees paid from the trust depend on the matter.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a beneficiary ask for a copy of the trust?<\/summary><p>Under \u00a7 736.0813, a qualified beneficiary may request a complete copy of the trust instrument on reasonable request. The trustee&#8217;s duties depend on the trust and the facts of each case.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;ve been named successor trustee, or you received a trust notice and aren&#8217;t sure what comes next, call (305) 707-7126 or <a href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">schedule online<\/a> to book a strategy call with the Coral Gables office.<\/p><\/details><\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>Trust Counsel, PL, 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 802, Coral Gables, FL 33134. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Viewing this website does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to do so.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How our attorneys can help<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reviewing the trust instrument<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our attorneys can review the trust terms with you and explain how they may affect the administration tasks ahead, subject to applicable Florida law.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advising trustees and beneficiaries<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We advise trustees, personal representatives and beneficiaries on their roles, questions and communications, depending on the governing instrument and the facts of each case.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--lightbulb\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Planning the administration<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our lawyers can help you organize the steps involved in administering a trust, recognizing that the scope of those steps depends on the trust terms and applicable law.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--location\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coral Gables office<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trust Counsel, PL is located in Coral Gables. We serve clients across Florida.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Important: every trust is different<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The duties of a trustee or personal representative are not the same in every matter. They depend on the trust instrument, any court orders, applicable Florida law and the facts of each case. Review your situation with an attorney before taking action.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13057077126\">Book a Strategy Call<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">Book a Strategy Call<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Questions our attorneys may address<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trustee responsibilities<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What a trustee may need to do depends on the trust instrument, applicable Florida law and the assets involved.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beneficiary information<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A beneficiary&#x27;s access to trust information depends on the governing instrument, applicable law and the circumstances of the trust.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accountings and records<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounting and recordkeeping expectations depend on the trust terms, applicable law and the facts of each administration.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disagreements among family members<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When disagreements arise, our lawyers can advise on available options, which depend on the governing instrument, applicable law and the facts of each case.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Talk with a Coral Gables trust administration attorney<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13057077126\">Book a Strategy Call or Call (305) 707-7126<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">Book a Strategy Call or Call (305) 707-7126<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/trust-litigation-attorney\/florida\/\">Trust Litigation Attorney in Florida<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-litigation-law-firm-fort-lauderdale\/\">Trust Litigation Law Firm Fort Lauderdale<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-litigation-law-firm-key-biscayne\/\">Trust Litigation Law Firm Key Biscayne<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-litigation-law-firm-pinecrest\/\">Trust Litigation Law Firm Pinecrest<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/trust-litigation-attorney\/what-not-to-tell-the-attorney\/\">What not to tell the attorney?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-litigation-law-firm-boca-raton\/\">Trust Litigation Law Firm Boca Raton<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How Florida trust administration works, what Trust Counsel, PL&#8217;s attorneys advise on, and how fees are agreed. Coral Gables office.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":27,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"{\"v\": 1, \"checked_at\": \"2026-10-11T01:14:48+00:00\", \"checked\": true, \"jurisdiction\": \"Florida\", \"claims\": [{\"url\": \"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0813.html\", \"cite\": \"Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.0813\", \"heading\": \"Duty to inform and account.\", \"support\": \"The trustee shall keep the qualified beneficiaries of the trust reasonably informed of the trust and its administration.\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"The trustee shall keep the qualified beneficiaries of the trust reasonably informed of the trust and its administration. (1) The trustee\u2019s duty to inform and account includes, but is not limited to, the following: (a) Within 60 days after acceptance of the trust, the trustee shall give notice to the qualified beneficiaries of the acceptance of the trust, the full name and address of the trustee, and that the fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in s. \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"**Beneficiary information.** Depending on the trust instrument, applicable Florida law and the facts of each case, a trustee may have obligations to keep certain beneficiaries informed about the trust and its administration, which may include providing information or documents on request.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.08135.html\", \"also\": [{\"url\": \"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.08135.html\", \"cite\": \"Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.08135\", \"heading\": \"Trust accountings.\", \"support\": \"the accounting shall contain two values, the asset acquisition value or carrying value and the estimated current value\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 Gains and losses realized during the accounting period and all receipts and disbursements must be shown. (c) To the extent feasible, the accounting must identify and value trust assets on hand at the close of the accounting period. For each asset or class of assets reasonably capable of valuation, the accounting shall contain two values, the asset acquisition value or carrying value and the estimated current value. The accounting must identify each known noncontingent liability with an estimated current amount of the liability if known. \u2026\"}], \"cite\": \"Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.08135\", \"heading\": \"Trust accountings.\", \"support\": \"A trust accounting must be a reasonably understandable report\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"(1) A trust accounting must be a reasonably understandable report from the date of the last accounting or, if none, from the date on which the trustee became accountable, that adequately discloses the information required in subsection (2). (2)(a) The accounting must begin with a statement identifying the trust, the trustee furnishing the accounting, and the time period covered by the accounting. \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"**Accountings.** A trust accounting must be a reasonably understandable report, and it generally shows two values for each asset reasonably capable of valuation.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0111.html\", \"cite\": \"Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.0111\", \"heading\": \"Nonjudicial settlement agreements.\", \"support\": \"interested persons may enter into a binding nonjudicial settlement agreement with respect to any matter involving a trust.\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 (2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3), interested persons may enter into a binding nonjudicial settlement agreement with respect to any matter involving a trust. (3) A nonjudicial settlement agreement among the trustee and trust beneficiaries is valid only to the extent the terms and conditions could be properly approved by the court. \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"**Settlement agreements.** In some circumstances, and subject to the trust instrument, applicable Florida law and the facts of each case, interested persons may be able to resolve certain trust matters by agreement without a court proceeding.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0704.html\", \"cite\": \"Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.0704\", \"heading\": \"Vacancy in trusteeship; appointment of successor.\", \"support\": \"A vacancy in a trusteeship of a noncharitable trust that is required to be filled must be filled in the following order of priority: (a) By a person named or designated pursuant to the terms of the trust to act as successor trustee. (b) By a person appointed by unanimous agreement of the qualified beneficiaries. (c) By a person appointed by the court.\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 (2) If one or more cotrustees remain in office, a vacancy in a trusteeship need not be filled. A vacancy in a trusteeship must be filled if the trust has no remaining trustee. (3) A vacancy in a trusteeship of a noncharitable trust that is required to be filled must be filled in the following order of priority: (a) By a person named or designated pursuant to the terms of the trust to act as successor trustee. (b) By a person appointed by unanimous agreement of the qualified beneficiaries. (c) By a person appointed by the court. (4) A vacancy in a trusteeship of a charitable trust that is required to be filled must be filled in the following order of priority: \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.0704, a required vacancy in a noncharitable trusteeship is filled first by a person named in the trust, then by unanimous agreement of qualified beneficiaries, then by the court.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0813.html\", \"cite\": \"Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.0813\", \"heading\": \"Duty to inform and account.\", \"support\": \"Within 60 days after acceptance of the trust, the trustee shall give notice to the qualified beneficiaries of the acceptance of the trust\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 (1) The trustee\u2019s duty to inform and account includes, but is not limited to, the following: (a) Within 60 days after acceptance of the trust, the trustee shall give notice to the qualified beneficiaries of the acceptance of the trust, the full name and address of the trustee, and that the fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in s. 90.5021 applies with respect to the trustee and any attorney employed by the trustee. \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"**Notices.** Under \u00a7 736.0813, a trustee generally must notify qualified beneficiaries within 60 days after accepting the trust.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.1008.html\", \"cite\": \"Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.1008\", \"heading\": \"Limitations on proceedings against trustees.\", \"support\": \"a beneficiary is barred from bringing an action against a trustee for breach of trust with respect to a matter that was adequately disclosed in a trust disclosure document unless a proceeding to assert the claim is commenced within 6 months after receipt from the trustee or a trust director of the trust disclosure document or a limitation notice that applies to that disclosure document, whichever is received later.\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 The limitations period begins on the date of receipt of the final trust accounting and notice. (2) Unless sooner barred by adjudication, consent, or limitations, a beneficiary is barred from bringing an action against a trustee for breach of trust with respect to a matter that was adequately disclosed in a trust disclosure document unless a proceeding to assert the claim is commenced within 6 months after receipt from the trustee or a trust director of the trust disclosure document or a limitation notice that applies to that disclosure document, whichever is received later. (3) When a trustee has not issued a final trust accounting or has not given written notice to the beneficiary of the availability of the trust records for examination and that claims with re \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.1008, a beneficiary may be barred from suing for breach of trust on a matter adequately disclosed in a trust disclosure document unless a proceeding starts within 6 months after receiving that document or a limitation notice, whichever is later.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.1005.html\", \"cite\": \"Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.1005\", \"heading\": \"Attorney fees for services to the trust.\", \"support\": \"The attorney may apply to the court for an order awarding attorney fees and, after notice and service on the trustee and all beneficiaries entitled to an accounting under s. 736.0813, the court shall enter an order on the fee application.\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 The attorney may apply to the court for an order awarding attorney fees and, after notice and service on the trustee and all beneficiaries entitled to an accounting under s. 736.0813, the court shall enter an order on the fee application. (2) If attorney fees are to be paid from the trust under subsection (1), s. 736.1007(5)(a), or s. 733.106(4)(a), the court, in its discretion, may direct from what part of the trust the fees shall be paid. \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.1005, the attorney may apply to the court after giving notice, and the court decides the application.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/www-media.floridabar.org\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2027_04-OCT-Chapter-4-RRTFB.pdf#page=23\", \"cite\": \"R. Regulating Fla. Bar 4-1.5\", \"heading\": \"Fees And Costs For Legal Services\", \"support\": \"Illegal, Prohibited, or Clearly Excessive Fees and Costs.\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"(a) Illegal, Prohibited, or Clearly Excessive Fees and Costs. \u2026 the circumstances and, as between attorney and client, any additional or special time demands or requests of the attorney by \u2026 providers of services to the attorney; (D) whether specific costs can be identified and \u2026 applied, in justification of a fee higher or lower than that which would result from application of only the time and rate factors. \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Florida's fee rule, R. Regulating Fla. Bar 4-1.5, addresses illegal, prohibited and clearly excessive fees.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0813.html\", \"cite\": \"Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.0813\", \"heading\": \"Duty to inform and account.\", \"support\": \"Upon reasonable request, the trustee shall provide a qualified beneficiary with a complete copy of the trust instrument.\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"\u2026 90.5021 applies with respect to the trustee and any attorney employed by the trustee. (c) Upon reasonable request, the trustee shall provide a qualified beneficiary with a complete copy of the trust instrument. (d) A trustee of an irrevocable trust shall provide a trust accounting, as set forth in s. 736.08135, from the date of the last accounting or, if none, from the date on which the trustee became accountable, to each qualified beneficiary at least annually and on termination of the trust or on change of the trustee. Notwithstanding s. 736. \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Under \u00a7 736.0813, a qualified beneficiary may request a complete copy of the trust instrument on reasonable request.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0105.html\", \"cite\": \"Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.0105\", \"heading\": \"Default and mandatory rules.\", \"support\": \"Except as otherwise provided in the terms of the trust, this code governs the duties and powers of a trustee, relations among trustees, and the rights and interests of a beneficiary.\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"(1) Except as otherwise provided in the terms of the trust, this code governs the duties and powers of a trustee, relations among trustees, and the rights and interests of a beneficiary. (2) The terms of a trust prevail over any provision of this code except: (a) The requirements for creating a trust. (b) Subject to s. 736.1409, relating to the duties and liabilities of a directed trustee; s. \u2026\", \"sentence\": \"Except as otherwise provided in the terms of the trust, the Florida Trust Code governs the duties and powers of a trustee, relations among trustees, and the rights and interests of a beneficiary.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0810.html\", \"also\": [{\"url\": \"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0810.html\", \"cite\": \"Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.0810\", \"heading\": \"Recordkeeping and identification of trust property.\", \"support\": \"A trustee shall keep trust property separate from the trustee\u2019s own property.\", \"law_text\": \"(1) A trustee shall keep clear, distinct, and accurate records of the administration of the trust. (2) A trustee shall keep trust property separate from the trustee\u2019s own property. (3) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4), a trustee shall cause the trust property to be designated so that the interest of the trust, to the extent feasible, appears in records maintained by a party other than a trustee or beneficiary. (4) If the trustee maintains records clearly indicating the respective interests, a trustee may invest as a whole the property of two or more separate trusts. History: s. 8, ch. 2006-217.\"}], \"cite\": \"Fla. Stat. \u00a7 736.0810\", \"heading\": \"Recordkeeping and identification of trust property.\", \"support\": \"A trustee shall keep clear, distinct, and accurate records of the administration of the trust.\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"(1) A trustee shall keep clear, distinct, and accurate records of the administration of the trust. (2) A trustee shall keep trust property separate from the trustee\u2019s own property. (3) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4), a trustee shall cause the trust property to be designated so that the interest of the trust, to the extent feasible, appears in records maintained by a party other than a trustee or beneficiary. (4) If the trustee maintains records clearly indicating the respective interests, a trustee may invest as a whole the property of two or more separate trusts. History: s. 8, ch. 2006-217.\", \"sentence\": \"**Recordkeeping.** Florida law provides that a trustee shall keep clear, distinct, and accurate records of the administration of the trust and shall keep trust property separate from the trustee's own property, and how this applies can depend on the trust's terms and the facts of each case.\"}, {\"url\": \"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/pub\/irs-drop\/rp-25-32.pdf\", \"cite\": \"Official figure (2026)\", \"heading\": \"The basic exclusion amount (estate and gift tax) for 2026 is $15,000,000.\", \"support\": \"amends \u00a7 2010(c)(3) by increasing the basic exclusion amount to $15,000,000 for calendar year 2026\", \"verdict\": \"supported\", \"law_text\": \"amends \u00a7 2010(c)(3) by increasing the basic exclusion amount to $15,000,000 for calendar year 2026\", \"sentence\": \"**Tax questions.** According to IRS guidance, the basic exclusion amount under \u00a7 2010(c)(3) is increased to $15,000,000 for calendar year 2026.\"}], \"languages\": [{\"code\": \"en\", \"post_id\": 708}, {\"code\": \"es\", \"post_id\": 709}]}","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Leslie V. 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Coral Gables office.\", \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\/\/34-139-105-30.nip.io\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-administration-lawyers-florida\/\", \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do I have to hire a lawyer to administer a trust?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It depends on the trust terms, the assets and the facts. A lawyer can advise you on what the trust and Florida law ask of you.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can a Trust Counsel attorney serve as my trustee?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Trust Counsel\u2019s attorneys can serve individually as trustee or personal representative, subject to the trust instrument and applicable law. 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Costs and any fees paid from the trust depend on the matter.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can a beneficiary ask for a copy of the trust?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Under \u00a7 736.0813, a qualified beneficiary may request a complete copy of the trust instrument on reasonable request. The trustee\u2019s duties depend on the trust and the facts of each case. If you\u2019ve been named successor trustee, or you received a trust notice and aren\u2019t sure what comes next, call (305) 707-7126 or schedule online to book a strategy call with the Coral Gables office.\"}}], \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"]}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\", \"itemListElement\": [{\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/34-139-105-30.nip.io\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Trust Litigation Attorney\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/34-139-105-30.nip.io\/trust-litigation-attorney\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Trust Administration Lawyers Florida\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/34-139-105-30.nip.io\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-administration-lawyers-florida\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"How Florida trust administration works, what Trust Counsel, PL's attorneys advise on, and how fees are agreed. 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