Trust Administration
Running Your Trust — Practical Guidance for Trustees
Good trust administration protects you, the trust, and the beneficiaries. We help trustees understand what to do, stay organised, and run their trust in a practical, low-stress way.
What Good Trust Administration Involves
Read and understand the trust deed. Know who the trustees are, who the beneficiaries are (and any priority or special rules), and list the assets the trust owns. If you don't understand the deed or your duties, you can easily get into trouble — even with good intentions.
Trustees must look after and invest trust assets sensibly, make sure bills, rates, insurance and tax are paid, decide when and how to make distributions to beneficiaries (following the trust deed), and take professional advice when needed.
Good records protect trustees and beneficiaries. Keep trust bank statements, investment statements, loan documents, minutes or resolutions of trustee decisions, records of distributions, and copies of any advice taken. If anything is ever challenged, good records show what you did and why.
Disagreements can arise — between beneficiaries, between trustees and beneficiaries, or between trustees themselves. Dealing with issues promptly and fairly, and taking early advice, can often avoid formal complaints or court action.
Trustees must make sure the trust meets its tax obligations (returns, payments, disclosures), complies with the Trusts Act 2019, and gives beneficiaries any information they are entitled to. Working with both a lawyer and an accountant is the safest approach.
How We Help Trustees
Minutes & Resolutions
Easy-to-follow templates and guidance for trustee meetings and decisions.
Trustee Webinars
Online sessions explaining trustee duties, compliance and practical administration.
Annual Reviews
Regular check-ins to make sure your trust is on track and compliant.
Trustee Changes
Deeds of retirement, appointment and removal when trustees need to change.
Beneficiary Requests
Guidance on responding to beneficiary information requests under the Trusts Act 2019.
Dispute Resolution
Early advice on trustee/beneficiary disputes to avoid court action.
Need help administering your trust?
Whether you need a one-off question answered or ongoing trustee support, we're here to help.
Contact Us