Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz

Trust Administration

Trust Administration Attorney in Arlington, TX

Guidance for Trustees, Successor Trustees & Beneficiaries

Administering a trust is a legal responsibility that carries real personal liability. Whether you’ve just stepped in as a successor trustee or you’re a beneficiary trying to understand your rights, our attorneys at Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz can guide you through the process. With over 60 years of experience handling estate and trust matters in Texas and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, we bring the knowledge and track record this work demands.

If you’re facing a trust administration matter in Arlington, TX, contact our team at (817) 587-6452 or reach us through the contact form on this page.

What a Trustee Is Required to Do Under Texas Law

Trustee duties in Texas are governed by the Texas Trust Code (Texas Property Code Title 9, Chapter 113). Those duties aren’t optional, and they aren’t vague. A trustee must identify and safeguard trust assets, manage and invest property according to the trust’s own terms, pay valid debts and taxes owed by the trust, and keep accurate records of every transaction. On the distribution side, a trustee must pay income or principal to beneficiaries as the trust document directs, on the schedule and under the conditions the settlor established.

We advise trustees and successor trustees on meeting each of these fiduciary obligations as part of our estate planning practice.

Why Clients in Arlington Turn to Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz

Trust administration doesn’t always proceed smoothly. Beneficiaries raise objections. Accountings get disputed. A related probate matter surfaces mid-process. Because our estate planning practice includes Trust Litigation, Probate Litigation, and Estate Litigation alongside trust and probate administration work, a trustee who runs into a dispute doesn’t need to start over with a different firm.

We communicate clearly throughout every engagement, so clients aren’t left wondering where things stand. Our attorneys work in five languages, which allows us to serve the full range of Arlington’s diverse community. If you need a trusts administration lawyer in Arlington who can carry a matter from routine administration through contested litigation without handing it off, our team can do that.

Beneficiary Accounting Rights Under the Texas Trust Code

Beneficiaries have a statutory right to know what the trustee has done with trust property. Under Texas Property Code Section 113.151, a beneficiary may make a written demand for an accounting covering all transactions since the last accounting or since the trust was created.

Once that demand is received, the trustee generally has 90 days to deliver the accounting. If the trustee doesn’t respond within that window, the beneficiary may file suit to compel it. On the trustee’s side, a formal accounting can’t be compelled more than once every 12 months unless a court orders otherwise.

How Trust Distributions Work During Administration

Distributions of income or principal must follow the terms written into the trust document. When the trust grants the trustee discretion over the amount or timing of a distribution, that discretion is still bounded by the purposes and standards the settlor established. Discretion doesn’t mean unlimited authority.

For a revocable living trust, administration and distribution duties typically pass to a successor trustee once the grantor dies or becomes incapacitated. That transition is often when trustees first seek legal guidance because the responsibility shifts quickly, and the obligations begin immediately.

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Why Clients Choose Us

The Right Legal Team Makes All the Difference

Client-Focused and Responsive Representation

At Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, PC, we prioritize clear and consistent communication. Our attorneys are committed to promptly returning calls and emails, keeping you informed at every step of your case.
Experienced Legal Advocacy Across Multiple Practice Areas
With 60+ years of experience, we provide top-tier representation in immigration, family law, personal injury, real estate, estate planning, and business law.
A Dedicated Team Ready to Fight for You
When legal issues arise, you need a team that acts fast. Our team gets to work immediately, using our expertise to protect your best interests and pursue the best possible outcome.
A Proven Track Record of Success

Our firm’s long history of service to Texans speaks for itself. Clients trust us for dedicated advocacy, personalized service, and strong results—time and time again.

Trust Administration vs. Probate in Tarrant County

One of the most common questions trustees and families face is whether a trust needs to go through probate. A validly funded trust is generally administered by the trustee outside of court. The trustee manages and distributes assets according to the trust’s terms without ongoing court supervision, which is one of the main reasons people establish revocable living trusts in the first place.

Probate is a different process: the court-supervised procedure for validating a will and administering a decedent’s estate. A straightforward Texas probate typically takes about six months; locating a missing will or contesting one can extend that timeline considerably. The Tarrant County Probate Courts hear matters involving inter vivos, testamentary, and charitable trusts, as well as the estates of deceased persons, incapacitated persons, and minors.

Talk to a Trusts Administration Attorney in Arlington

Trustees, successor trustees, and beneficiaries all benefit from clear legal guidance before problems escalate. Our team at Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz can help you understand your rights and obligations under Texas law, manage the administration process, and address any disputes that arise.

Call us at (817) 587-6452 or use the contact form on this page to schedule a consultation with a trusts administration attorney serving Arlington, TX.

When Trustees Typically Need Legal Guidance

A successor trustee named in the trust document takes over administration duties when the original trustee dies, resigns, or becomes incapacitated. That transition often happens quickly, and the incoming trustee inherits all of the original trustee’s legal obligations from day one. Understanding what those obligations require before taking any action with trust property isn’t optional; it’s the starting point.

The stakes of getting it wrong are personal. A trustee who breaches a fiduciary duty can be held personally liable to the beneficiaries for any resulting harm. That’s not a theoretical risk: courts apply it, and beneficiaries pursue it. Working with a trusts administration attorney in Arlington before and during administration is one of the most practical steps a trustee can take to protect themselves while serving the people the trust was created to benefit.

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See how We’ve Helped Clients Navigate Their Legal Challenges

At Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

"I highly recommend Virginia and the team at Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz to anyone looking for an experienced and trustworthy immigration attorney."
I am very thankful to Virginia and to Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz for their support throughout my husband’s green card process. Virginia handled our marriage-based case with exceptional care and expertise, guiding us clearly through each stage and

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Everything was expedited in a very timely manner. Ms. Brown has been a great communicator and her instructions have been clear and helpful. I have appreciated their help and counsel throughout a difficult time.

- Former Client
"One of the most brilliant, and caring lawyers."
After consulting with numerous lawyers I decided on David Kulesz. He is one of the most brilliant, and caring lawyers. David is very competent and knows how to move quickly and strategically to protect your children, assets, and organization. I would highly recommend David.

- Patty G.
"David is AMAZING & is one of the most competent family law Attorney EVER!"
He honestly cares about the needs of his client and what’s in the best interest of the kids. I feel so blessed. I am a single father and have custody of my children, thank you David Kulesz for believing that men can be great single parents too.

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Brent was very instrumental in my case and was particularly good at listening to my needs. Divorce is a very sensitive matter and requires someone that understands this and works hard toward a quick resolution. I fully recommend Brent for divorce cases.

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She was also willing to answer our questions at any time almost instantly, including late at night and on weekends. She also offered to help us prepare for the interview. The experience working with her was very pleasant and she is a trustworthy attorney!

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"A great help understanding the process."
Virginia helped us navigate the process from start to finish, always being available, friendly, and efficient whenever we had questions.

- Steven
"Great advisor for all things immigration."
Virginia was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and all around great advisor when it came to filing and taking care of all of the documentation for us.

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