What does a trustee do after someone dies?

A trustee gathers trust assets, reviews the trust terms, communicates with beneficiaries, pays proper expenses, works with financial advisors and CPAs, keeps records, and makes distributions according to the trust.

The trustee does not get to freestyle. The trust is the instruction manual.

A good trustee is organized, honest, responsive, and willing to ask questions before things get sideways.

*Reviewed by Estate Planning Attorney Casey Connealy, Partner at Gaughan & Connealy Estate Planning Attorneys on June 23, 2026.