PROBATE ATTORNEY · AKRON, OH
Trust Administration in Akron, OH
Spatz Law Group helps successor trustees in Akron and across Northeast Ohio settle a loved one's trust correctly, so you honor their wishes and protect yourself along the way.
Being named trustee and not knowing where to start
Many people find out they're the successor trustee only after a parent passes. The first steps matter: locating the trust document, securing the home and accounts, getting death certificates, and obtaining a tax ID number for the trust. You'll get a clear checklist and help with each step, so nothing important is missed early on.
Keeping beneficiaries informed and the peace intact
Ohio law requires a trustee to notify the beneficiaries and keep them reasonably informed about the trust. Beyond the legal duty, silence breeds suspicion, even among close siblings. When a brother hears nothing for months, he starts to wonder what's happening to Mom's money. Regular, clear updates on what's been collected, what's been paid and when distributions are coming go a long way toward keeping the family on good terms while the trust is settled. You'll get help deciding what to share and when. Ashleigh Moulder, our Client Services Director, helps you keep those updates on schedule.
Handling the house, the accounts and the final taxes
Settling a trust means retitling or selling the home, closing or transferring accounts, paying final bills, and filing your loved one's last income tax return along with any returns the trust itself owes. To move the home out of the trust, the trustee typically records a short affidavit with the county, which in Summit County is handled by the Fiscal Office's recording division. Each piece is done in the right order, so you can distribute everything with confidence that it was handled properly.
Your attorney
Debra A. Spatz
Licensed in Ohio since 2008 · Ohio Supreme Court Reg. #0083356
Chicago-Kent College of Law · University of Illinois, Finance
Meet DebraBefore your first conversation
Bring the trust document and any amendments, the death certificate, the deed to any real estate, and recent statements for the trust's accounts.
★★★★★Google review
If you are looking for a local estate attorney in Bath, Ohio, Deb Spatz with Spatz Law Group is truly exceptional. I know several people who have worked with Deb, and they consistently share nothing but positive experiences. Deb takes the time to get to know you and your story, allowing her to create a plan that brings real peace of mind for you and your family. She even offers the option to record a legacy video for your loved ones, which is an incredibly meaningful and lasting gift. Do not wait until it is too late. I highly recommend calling Deb today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if some assets were never put in the trust?
It's common. An account opened after the trust was signed, or a house that was never retitled, sits outside the trust. Those assets usually go through probate first, often under a pour-over will that then moves them into the trust. If the amount is small, Ohio's simpler small-estate process may apply.
Do I have to give the beneficiaries a copy of the trust?
Ohio law requires trustees to keep qualified beneficiaries reasonably informed and to provide a copy of the trust document when a beneficiary asks for it. Sharing information openly is usually the best way to prevent misunderstandings.
Can I be paid for serving as trustee?
Yes. Ohio allows a trustee reasonable compensation unless the trust says otherwise. Many family members choose not to take a fee, especially when they're also beneficiaries, but it's your choice.
Can a trustee also be a beneficiary?
Yes, and it's very common for an adult child to be both. You still have a duty to treat every beneficiary fairly and follow the trust's terms, even when your own share is involved.
What if a beneficiary disagrees with how I'm handling the trust?
Start with clear communication and documentation of every decision. Many disagreements come from not knowing what's happening. If a dispute turns into a lawsuit, you'll want an attorney who focuses on litigation, since our work centers on administering the trust, not courtroom disputes.