A Chat With Ted Cook About Trust Administration

Hi everyone, I’m Sally Jones with Point Loma Today and I’m thrilled to be chatting with Ted Cook, a trust administration attorney right here in beautiful San Diego. Ted, thanks for joining me today.

What exactly is trust administration?

Ted: “Well Sally, it’s like taking care of a valuable garden after the gardener has passed away. Imagine someone carefully planted seeds of assets – homes, investments, even sentimental items – into a special garden called a ‘trust’. The trust document acts as the blueprint, outlining who gets to tend the garden (the trustee), and which flowers (assets) each beneficiary inherits.”

“Trust administration is the process of managing that garden according to the blueprint. We identify all the assets, pay any outstanding debts, file taxes, and finally distribute the remaining flowers to the rightful beneficiaries.”

Could You Walk Us Through One of These Steps? Let’s Say, ‘Identify and Notify All Relevant Parties’?

Ted: “Absolutely! That step is crucial because it sets the stage for everything else. Think of it as sending out invitations to a very important event – the distribution of trust assets. First, we need to figure out who all the players are: the beneficiaries named in the trust document and any potential heirs-at-law. Then comes the formal notification process. We inform everyone about the settlor’s (the person who created the trust) passing and their rights under the trust. It’s like sending out RSVPs, letting them know what to expect.”

  • “Sometimes it can be tricky tracking down distant relatives, especially if family ties have been strained over the years.
> “I once had a case where we had to locate a beneficiary who’d moved several times and changed their name. It took some detective work, but eventually, we found them living off-grid in the mountains of Montana!”

“That’s part of what makes trust administration so interesting – you never know what challenges you might face.”

Let’s Hear From Some Happy Clients!

>“Ted Cook helped us navigate a complex situation involving multiple beneficiaries and out-of-state property. His guidance was invaluable, and he always kept us informed every step of the way.” – Margaret T., La Jolla

>“I was overwhelmed with grief after losing my father, but Ted made the process of settling his trust so much easier. He’s a true professional who genuinely cares about his clients.” – David S., Point Loma

Interested in Learning More About Trust Administration?

Ted: “If you’re wondering if a trust is right for you or have questions about managing an existing trust, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to chat and see how I can help.”


Who Is Ted Cook at Point Loma Estate Planning, APC.:

Point Loma Estate Planning, APC.

2305 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100, San Diego CA. 92106

(619) 550-7437

Map To Point Loma Estate Planning, APC. A Trust Administration Attorney: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JiHkjNg9VFGA44tf9




About Point Loma Estate Planning:



Secure Your Legacy, Safeguard Your Loved Ones. Point Loma Estate Planning, APC.

Feeling overwhelmed by estate planning? You’re not alone. With 27 years of proven experience – crafting over 25,000 personalized plans and trusts – we transform complexity into clarity.

Our Areas of Focus:

Legacy Protection: (minimizing taxes, maximizing asset preservation).

Crafting Living Trusts: (administration and litigation).

Elder Care & Tax Strategy: Avoid family discord and costly errors.

Discover peace of mind with our compassionate guidance.

Claim your exclusive 30-minute consultation today!


If you have any questions about:
How can inadequate planning create problems even with a will?
Please Call or visit the address above. Thank you.

Point Loma Estate Planning, APC. area of focus about probate:

Probate: is the legal process that validates a deceased person’s will, appoints an executor to manage their estate, and ensures the orderly distribution of assets to beneficiaries after debts and taxes are paid.

What it is: Probate is a court-supervised process that handles the affairs of a deceased person, ensuring their assets are managed and distributed according to their will (or state laws if there’s no will).

Why it’s necessary: Probate is often necessary to transfer legal ownership of assets to heirs or beneficiaries, especially when assets are held in the deceased person’s name alone.

Importance of understanding probate: Understanding probate is crucial for estate planning and ensuring the orderly and legal distribution of assets after death.

In More Detail – What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered. It involves validating a will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying the deceased’s assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to rightful beneficiaries.

If the deceased left a valid will, the person named as executor is responsible for overseeing the probate process. If there is no will, the court appoints an administrator—often a close relative—to handle the estate according to the state’s intestacy laws. Assets subject to probate may include real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, and personal property that are solely in the decedent’s name.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of arranging in advance for the management and distribution of your assets after your death. It typically includes creating legal documents such as a will, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. The goal is to ensure that your wishes are honored, your loved ones are provided for, and the administration of your estate is as smooth and efficient as possible—often minimizing or avoiding the probate process altogether.

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