Trust Administration Attorneys in Alaska

What Happens When the Trustmaker Dies? Who’s in Charge and What Comes Next?

After someone passes away, their Trust becomes more than a set of instructions—it becomes a legal and financial roadmap. But carrying out that roadmap takes more than good intentions. It requires follow-through, legal authority, and a clear understanding of what’s required under Alaska law.

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If you have been named as a Trustee, or are a beneficiary of a trust and unsure what to expect, you are not alone. Trust administration often begins at a difficult and emotional time, and the steps involved—asset collection, notifications, tax filings, and final distributions—can be overwhelming without the right support.

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At Foley Pearson Riekkola Iverson, we guide Trustees and beneficiaries through every step of the trust administration process. Whether the trust is simple or complex, we help ensure it is managed responsibly, distributed correctly, and—when necessary—modified or clarified with the court’s approval.

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What Is a Trust Administration?

A Trust administration is the process of carrying out the terms of a Trust after the Trustmaker’s (sometimes called a “Settlor” or “Grantor”) death, or, in some cases, after incapacity. This includes:

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• Identifying and collecting Trust assets
• Notifying beneficiaries, creditors, and other relevant parties
• Managing assets during the administration period
• Filing necessary tax returns (income and estate)
• Paying debts and expenses
• Distributing property according to the Trust’s terms

In Alaska, Trustees have specific fiduciary duties under state law, including the duty to act in good faith, keep beneficiaries informed, and avoid self-dealing. Trustees who violate these duties—knowingly or not—can face significant legal consequences.

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We help Trustees understand their obligations, meet deadlines, and avoid common pitfalls.

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Beneficiary Representation and Consultations

If you are named as a beneficiary of a Trust, you have certain rights—but those rights can feel unclear if you are not in control of the process. We assist individuals who want to:

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• Understand what they are entitled to receive
• Request formal accountings or financial updates from the Trustee
• Ensure the trust is being administered as written
• Raise concerns about mismanagement or unclear distributions

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While Foley Pearson Riekkola Iverson does not typically handle adversarial litigation, we do represent beneficiaries seeking to understand and protect their rights through clear communication, negotiation, or structured mediation.

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We also offer consultations for individuals who have been included as a beneficiary in a Trust, or believe they may have an interest, and want to better understand what that means under Alaska law.

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Trust Reformation and Modification

Sometimes, a Trust’s language no longer fits the situation—due to changed tax law, unexpected family developments, or unclear drafting. Alaska law allows certain Trusts to be modified or reformed under the right circumstances. We help clients pursue or respond to requests involving:

• Judicial Trust reformation to correct mistakes or clarify ambiguous provisions
• Nonjudicial settlement agreements among beneficiaries and Trustees
• Modification of administrative terms when the original provisions are impractical
• Division or consolidation of Trusts for tax or management efficiency

We evaluate each case to determine what options are available and whether a court filing or agreement among beneficiaries is the best path forward.

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Why Work with Foley Pearson Riekkola Iverson?

Trust administration is a key part of our practice. We represent clients on both sides of the process, including:

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• Successor Trustees managing a trust after the original Trustmaker’s death
• Beneficiaries seeking transparency or legal guidance
• Family members unsure whether a Trust is still being handled properly
• Individuals navigating post-death coordination between a Trust and Probate

Our team is experienced in Alaska Trust law and committed to helping families complete the administration process with care, accuracy, and minimal disruption. We offer clear timelines, document support, and communication every step of the way.

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For clients with ongoing needs, The Generations  Program provides long-term maintenance and support, including audits, beneficiary updates, and ongoing Trustee consultations.

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If You're a Trustee or Beneficiary—Let’s Clarify What Comes Next

Whether you're stepping into a fiduciary role or simply want to understand your rights as a beneficiary, Foley Pearson Riekkola Iverson is here to guide you through the next steps. Trust administration does not have to be overwhelming—with the right legal partner, it can be completed efficiently and with respect for everyone involved.

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Complete an Initial Screening Form, and our office will reach out to you to discuss your potential matter.