When someone passes away, their property and money are often managed through probate or a trust. In Vail, Arizona, the person in charge of managing the trust is called a trustee. Knowing what a trustee does helps families handle probate more smoothly.
What Is a Trustee?
A trustee is the person chosen to manage and protect the assets listed in a trust. They make sure everything is done according to the trust document and Arizona law. The trustee must act honestly and always put the beneficiaries — the people who will receive the assets — first.
What Does a Trustee Do in Probate?
Even when there is a trust, some estates in Vail still go through the probate process. The trustee has several important jobs:
- Manage assets – Handle the home, money, and other property in the trust.
- Pay debts and taxes – Make sure any bills or taxes are paid before giving out assets.
- Keep good records – Track all payments, expenses, and documents.
- Distribute assets – Give the remaining property to the beneficiaries after debts are cleared.
- Communicate clearly – Keep family members updated on the process.
Why the Trustee’s Role Matters
A trustee has a legal responsibility, called a fiduciary duty, to manage everything correctly and fairly. Choosing a reliable and organized trustee helps avoid delays, confusion, or legal problems.
Get Help from a Vail Realtor Who Understands Probate
If the estate includes a house or property, having an experienced local realtor makes things easier.
Ryan Comstock, a trusted Realtor with eXp Realty, helps families in Vail, Arizona sell or manage homes during probate and trust processes.
He can help you with:
- Finding the current market value of the home
- Listing and preparing the home for sale
- Coordinating with lawyers and family members
- Making the process easy and stress-free
📞 Phone: 520-261-4669
📧 Email: ryancomstock@ryancomstock.com
🌐 Website: www.ryancomstock.com