Trusts & Trust Administration

We help individuals and families create and manage trusts that protect assets, simplify inheritance, and reflect long-term goals. We also guide trustees through the legal responsibilities of administering a trust.

We make trust planning and administration clear, efficient, and tailored to your needs.

Secure your legacy. Protect your family’s future.
 At Handelin Law, we provide comprehensive estate planning and administration services for individuals and families across Nevada and California, including Reno, Carson City, and the Tahoe Basin. Our attorneys help you create customized plans to protect your assets, honor your wishes, and make things easier for your loved ones during life’s most difficult moments.



We understand that after a loss — or during a serious illness — family members are often grieving, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next. By planning ahead, you decide how your estate will be handled and who will carry out those decisions. We make sure your wishes are clear, legally enforceable, and carried out exactly as you intend.

A man and a woman are sitting at a table talking to a woman.
A black and white drawing of a laurel wreath on a white background.

Building the Right Trust for You

From revocable living trusts to special needs or asset protection trusts, we help you choose the right structure based on your goals, family dynamics, and financial picture.

A black and white drawing of a scale of justice on a white background.

Support for Trustees

Administering a trust can be complex. We guide trustees step-by-step to make sure they meet legal duties, handle distributions correctly, and avoid personal liability.

A line drawing of a judge 's gavel on a white background.

Protecting Family and Legacy

Trusts aren’t just for the wealthy—they’re for anyone who wants more control over how assets are handled and passed on. We help make sure your wishes are honored.

A black and white shield on a white background.

FAQs

  • 1. What is a trust, and how is it different from a will?

    A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you (the “grantor” or “settlor”) to transfer assets into the control of a trustee, who manages those assets for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries.


    Key differences from a will:


    A will goes into effect only after your death and usually must go through probate, which is a public court process.


    A trust can take effect during your lifetime, often avoids probate entirely, and allows for ongoing management of your assets if you become incapacitated.


    Trusts provide more privacy and can offer greater control over how and when assets are distributed.



  • 2. What types of trusts does Handelin Law handle?

    We draft, review, and administer many types of trusts, including:


    Revocable / Living Trusts – Flexible, can be changed or revoked during your lifetime.


    Irrevocable Trusts – Cannot be easily changed, but can offer asset protection and tax benefits.


    Special Needs Trusts – Provide for individuals with disabilities without affecting eligibility for government benefits.


    Spendthrift Trusts – Protect beneficiaries from creditors or financial mismanagement.


    Self-Settled Spendthrift Trusts – Nevada law allows certain trusts to protect the grantor’s own assets from future creditors.


    Life Insurance Trusts – Hold and distribute life insurance proceeds outside of probate.


    Business Management Trusts – Keep a business running smoothly if the owner becomes incapacitated or passes away.


    Charitable Trusts – Direct assets to charitable organizations while potentially reducing taxes.

  • 3. Do I still need a will if I have a trust?

    Yes. Even with a trust, most people have a “pour-over will” that directs any assets not already in the trust at your death to be transferred into it. A will can also:


    Name guardians for minor children.


    Address personal items or specific gifts that may not be in the trust.


    Serve as a legal safety net for anything unintentionally left out of the trust.



  • 4. How does trust administration work after someone passes away?

    Trust administration is the process of carrying out the instructions in the trust document. Steps typically include:


    Notifying beneficiaries and other interested parties.


    Collecting, inventorying, and valuing trust assets.


    Paying debts and expenses, including taxes.


    Managing and investing trust assets during administration.


    Distributing assets to beneficiaries according to the trust terms.


    Accounting to beneficiaries, showing how assets were managed and distributed.


    Trustees in Nevada and California must follow strict fiduciary duties and deadlines.

  • 5. What are a trustee’s legal responsibilities?

    A trustee must:


    Follow the trust’s terms exactly.


    Act in the best interests of all beneficiaries — not themselves.


    Keep detailed and accurate financial records.


    Treat beneficiaries impartially.


    Avoid conflicts of interest.


    Comply with all legal requirements for notices, taxes, and filings.


    Failure to do so can result in personal liability for the trustee.



Focused on Long-Term Peace of Mind

We help you create and manage trusts that protect your assets and honor your intentions.

Whether you're planning ahead or serving as a trustee, we’re here to provide clarity and support. At Handelin Law, we make sure every step is done right, so your legacy is secure.