Trust Administration in Tacoma
Guidance for Trustees & Beneficiaries Throughout Pierce County
Taking on the role of successor trustee, or learning you’re a beneficiary of a trust, raises immediate questions about what happens next. Trust administration is the legal process of managing and distributing a trust’s assets after a settlor’s death, and it carries real obligations under Washington law. At McCarthy Law Office, PLLC, we assist trustees and beneficiaries throughout the Tacoma area and Pierce County at every stage of that process, including disputes and litigation when they arise.
Our will and trust practice covers preparation, trust administration, dispute resolution, and litigation. Whether you’re a trustee trying to fulfill your duties correctly or a beneficiary with questions about what you’re owed, we work with you directly to navigate the process.
If you need guidance on a trust matter in the Tacoma area, call us at (844) 224-5029 to schedule a free initial consultation.Trustee Duties Under Washington Law
Washington imposes clear fiduciary obligations on trustees. A fiduciary duty is the legal requirement to act in another party’s best interest rather than your own. Under RCW 11.98.078, a trustee must administer the trust solely in the interests of beneficiaries, and self-dealing transactions are voidable by an affected beneficiary. When a trust has more than one beneficiary, the trustee must act impartially, giving due regard to each beneficiary’s respective interests.
Trustees also carry an ongoing duty to keep qualified beneficiaries (those currently eligible to receive distributions or who would receive assets if the trust ended) reasonably informed about administration and to respond promptly to information requests under RCW 11.98.072(1). Investment decisions must follow the prudent investor rule under RCW 11.100, which requires trustees to weigh risk, return, diversification, and the trust’s overall purpose when managing assets.
Direct Attorney Access for Tacoma Trustees & Beneficiaries
Trust administration can stretch over months, and questions don’t always arrive on a predictable schedule. At McCarthy Law Office, PLLC, clients work directly with Attorney Conor McCarthy throughout the matter, not with rotating staff or paralegals acting as intermediaries. That access matters when a deadline is approaching or a dispute surfaces unexpectedly.
We bring nearly two decades of experience navigating complex legal and bureaucratic processes for clients across Tacoma and Pierce County. We treat the people we represent like family, which means taking their concerns seriously and keeping them informed at every step.
Trust Administration Disputes & TEDRA in Washington
Not every trust administration proceeds without conflict. Disagreements over distributions, trust interpretation, or a trustee’s conduct are common, and Washington law provides structured tools for resolving them. The Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA), codified at RCW 11.96A, offers nonjudicial options including mediation and arbitration, and binding agreements that can resolve disputes without full litigation. These tools can save time and cost when both sides are willing to participate in good faith.
When disputes do reach the court, the stakes can escalate quickly. Under RCW 11.106.020, trustees must deliver an annual statement of receipts and disbursements to each permissible distributee. Failure to provide that accounting isn’t just a procedural shortfall: a beneficiary generally can’t bring a breach of trust claim more than three years after the trustee delivers an adequate report under RCW 11.96A.070, so the reporting history shapes the timeline for any claim. If a beneficiary must go to court to compel required information, the court may award that beneficiary’s attorney fees and costs under RCW 11.96A.150.
We represent clients on both sides of trust disputes in the Tacoma area, whether that means defending a trustee who has acted properly or advocating for a beneficiary whose rights are being ignored.
Start with a Free Consultation
Trust administration questions rarely wait, and the decisions made early in the process shape everything that follows. We offer a free initial consultation so you can describe your situation and understand your options before committing to anything.
Reach us by phone at (844) 224-5029 or use the contact form on this site to schedule your free consultation with McCarthy Law Office, PLLC. Attorney Conor McCarthy is available from the first call.
Client Testimonials
We Treat Our Clients Like People, Not Numbers
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“They provided direction through the complexity of that situation”- Jess B.
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“Conor McCarthey did an amazing job! He made my life less stressful, and a lot easier. If you need a lawyer, he's the man!”- Mark M.
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“I had to find another lawyer to take on a probate case that had been already dragging on for about four years. Without a referral of any kind I tried calling in to a few offices, one of them being Conor’s.”- Brandon L.
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“Conor McCarthy recently drafted our estate planning documents. He also assisted my folks in updating their trust and related documents. Conor is friendly and easy to work with and his fees are very reasonable.”- Diane W.
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“We had a great experience with McCarthy Law. Conner was invaluable in guiding us through every step of the process and worked diligently researching or case. We would definitely recommend McCarthy Law.- Kevin C.
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“Nothing but excellent service from Conor and his staff at McCarthy Law. Very friendly, professional and knowledgeable in assisting myself in executing our families estate needs. Highly recommend!!- Michael P.
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“McCarthy Law helped update our will this fall. Very timely and nice group of people.”- Jan N.
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“Conor was great to work with! He listened to what I wanted and provided guidance without making me feel like I didn't know what I was doing. He communicated clearly, got things done right on schedule. I'll gladly work with him in the future if the need ari”- Julia E.