St. Louis Family Resources
314.918.5151 · StLouisFamilyResources.com
Free Resource · Successor Trustees

St. Louis Guide to
Trust
Administration

A plain-English guide for successor trustees managing the trust, protecting beneficiaries, and handling real estate — from the first week through final distribution.

Download the Free Guide
The 10-Step Trust Property Sale Process
1
Confirm trustee authority & signing requirements
2
Verify title is in the trust's name
3
Establish date-of-death value for step-up in basis
4
Evaluate property condition and select strategy
5
Handle personal property & beneficiary agreements
6
Open trust account & manage finances
7
Complete pre-listing checklist
8
List, market, and generate competitive offers
9
Review offers and execute sale
10
Close and distribute proceeds per trust terms
✓ 48 Pages
✓ Missouri-Specific
✓ Master Checklist Included
✓ Full Real Estate Sale Process
✓ No Cost · No Obligation
Why It Matters

Trust administration moves faster and more privately than probate — if you know what you're doing

Most families use a revocable living trust specifically to avoid the time, cost, and public exposure of probate. But trust administration still has requirements — and a trustee who doesn't understand them can squander those advantages. This guide gives you the complete picture.

Factor
Trust Admin
Probate
Court involvement
None (typical)
Required
Privacy
Private
Public record
Timeline
3–12 months
1–2+ years
Real estate sale
Direct authority
May need court order
Creditor period
Shorter
6-month minimum (MO)
Cost
Generally lower
Court fees + atty costs
What's Inside

48 pages. Five parts. Everything a successor trustee needs.

Part One
Understanding the Trust at Death
What a revocable trust becomes, your authority vs. beneficiaries' rights, and your fiduciary duties under Missouri law.
Part Two
Your First Steps
First-week priorities, establishing authority via Certificate of Trust, opening the trust account, and complete asset inventory.
Part Three
Real Estate in the Trust
The complete 10-step sale process, three preparation strategies, and the pre-listing checklist — the most comprehensive section.
Part Four
Tax Considerations
The step-up in basis with a real dollar example, Form 1041 filing requirements, and the grantor's final income tax return.
Part Five
Distributions & Closing
Reading distribution terms, making distributions without creating liability, final accounting, and formally closing the trust.
Appendix
Master Checklist + Glossary
A five-phase trustee checklist with responsibility columns, plus a 15-term glossary of trust administration language.
Download

Get the complete trustee guide — free

Written from 20+ years of experience helping St. Louis families navigate trust-owned real estate. No jargon. No pressure. Just the guidance you need to do your job well.

  • How to verify the trust actually controls the property
  • The step-up in basis and why timing your sale matters
  • How to handle personal property without creating family conflict
  • What to do before signing a listing agreement
  • How to close the trust correctly and protect yourself legally
Download the Guide
Complete the form and your guide opens immediately.

Name and email required. Your information is kept private and never sold. You may receive helpful follow-up from St. Louis Family Resources.