TRUST ADMINISTRATION & LITIGATION
Westlake, Ohio Trust Administration Attorney
Setting up a trust is a proactive approach to avoid probate and minimize estate taxes, control the distribution of your property, and protect your legacy. Since there are various types of trusts, all with their own advantages and drawbacks, it imperative to work with a certified estate planning, trust administration and trust litigation attorney.
The team at James Bart Leonardi, LLC can help with all of your trust administration and litigation needs. We’re also able to represent trustees and beneficiaries when trust disputes occur.
Trust Creation and Administration
When you’re creating an estate plan, your attorney may recommend you set up a trust. Whether you want to protect your real estate assets, leave funds to charitable organizations, business succession, or simply allocate funds for disability, illness, and other major expenses, a trust is often an appropriate choice.
When you create a trust, you’ll also need to appoint a trustee. Our firm can advise the trustee and oversee the administration of your trust. This will help to ensure all administrative duties are properly handled, including:
- Paying bills associated with the trust(s)
- Filing and paying any taxes associated with the trust
- Distribution of assets according to the terms of the trust
- Discretionary asset distribution, when applicable
We’ll show you exactly how your estate plan can take advantage of the benefits trusts provide.
Trust Administration Support
Advising Trustees
Trustees are responsible for managing trust assets judiciously. This may involve working with financial advisors, managing real estate, or overseeing business operations. Trustees must follow the trust terms precisely. Bart Leonardi helps trustees administer trusts confidently and correctly to comply with Ohio law.
Serving as a Trustee
A trustee is legally responsible for managing trust assets for the beneficiaries. Serving as trustee, you are a fiduciary, and this means you must act with the highest level of honesty, care, and loyalty. Failing to meet these standards can subject a trustee to personal liability, even if mistakes are inadvertent.
Representing Trust Beneficiaries
As a trust attorney, Bart Leonarfi’s first priority is education. “I want my clients to fully understand the trust, their rights under Ohio law, and the practical realities of trust administration.” This understanding enables us to make strategic decisions rather than emotional ones. The goal is always to resolve matters efficiently and cost-effectively whenever possible.
Proven Trust Litigation Attorney
Occasionally, issues between trustees and beneficiaries arise. We have extensive experience in litigating trust disputes, including:
- Failure of trustees to distribute assets in a timely manner
- Failure to provide accounting or trust activity reports
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Mismanagement of trust funds
- Theft of assets or self-dealing by a trustee
- Trust validity disputes
- Problems between beneficiaries and successor trustees
If you find yourself in the midst of a trust dispute, you can count on us to provide guidance and zealous representation, no matter what the issue.
When you need to create or revise an estate plan—or are experiencing problems as a beneficiary or trustee—call James Bart Leonardi, LLC. Together, we’ll discuss your needs and determine which legal options are right for you.
If you need an experienced trust attorney, contact James Bart Leonardi, LLC to schedule a consultation. Call 440-937-8364
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440-937-8364
