Paperwork and process
What is a successor trustee?
Short answer
The person named in a trust to take over management after the original trustee dies or becomes incapacitated. They have authority to manage and distribute trust assets without court involvement. If you are the successor trustee, get a certified death certificate and…
What this usually means
The person named in a trust to take over management after the original trustee dies or becomes incapacitated. They have authority to manage and distribute trust assets without court involvement. If you are the successor trustee, get a certified death certificate and consult a trust attorney.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.