What You Don't Know Can Hurt You: The Hidden Dangers of Administering an Estate

Dan McKenzie • December 2, 2023

Will your loved ones know what to do when you are disabled or gone?

 

If you’ve named your children, relatives, or friends to be in charge as “Successor Trustee” of your Living Trust when you’re disabled or pass away, they probably have no idea of what to do! After all, they’ve probably never served as a Trustee before! Unfortunately, what your successor trustee doesn't know could cost your family hundreds of thousands!

 

Worse yet, if your Successor Trustee fails to handle specific tasks promptly and correctly, he or she may be personally liable to your beneficiaries out of his or her pocket!  And you could be placed at risk if an unprepared successor trustee steps in when you're sick or disabled!

 

Statistics tell us there’s more than a 50% chance you won’t be able to handle things for yourself at some point later in life -- and the Successor Trustee better know what to do then, when you’re most depending on it!


For example, does your Successor Trustee know how to:


  • Properly carry out the duties owed to your beneficiaries?
  • Work together with your beneficiaries to avoid conflict and resolve disputes.
  • Access your funds immediately when the time comes.
  • Qualify you for Colorado Medicaid nursing care benefits, should you need them?
  • Deal with your creditors and overdue bills?
  • Avoid an IRS audit?
  • Properly determine the value of your assets.
  • Successfully defend against contests?
  • Avoid liability for self-dealing or conflicts of interest?
  • Get paid compensation and get reimbursed for expenses?
  • Set up proper accounting procedures?
  • Avoid many other pitfalls for the unwary that could expose the Trustee to personal liability -- even if he or she is intelligent, responsible, and good with money.


Your Successor Trustee should. Find Out What they need to know by attending a special presentation.



By Dan McKenzie May 4, 2026
Learn how to protect your Social Security from creditors and bank levies. The McKenzie Law Firm explains the "two-month rule" and why separate accounts matter for Denver families.
By Dan McKenzie May 2, 2026
Learn how estate planning helps Denver residents stay in control of their lives and homes. Discover why Power of Attorney and trusts are essential for your future.
By Dan McKenzie May 1, 2026
Does Medicare cover nursing home care in Colorado? Learn the truth about the 100-day limit and how to protect your estate from long-term care costs.
By Dan McKenzie April 30, 2026
Thinking about a reverse mortgage in Denver? Learn why coordinating this loan with your estate plan is essential to protect your spouse and your heirs.
By Dan McKenzie April 29, 2026
Learn how the guardianship process works in Colorado and how adult children can legally make housing and medical decisions for parents.
By Dan McKenzie April 28, 2026
Worried about your retirement income? Learn when the federal government can garnish Social Security benefits for taxes, student loans, or child support.
By Dan McKenzie April 27, 2026
Discover how blended families in the Denver area can handle inheritance fairly. Learn why immediate gifts might be better than making children wait for years.
Gavel on a wooden block, with a person in a black robe writing on a document in the background.
By Dan McKenzie April 27, 2026
Think estate planning is only for parents? Think again. Learn why childless adults in Colorado need a solid estate plan — and what’s at stake if you don’t have one.
By Dan McKenzie April 26, 2026
Are your adult kids living at home? Learn why residency doesn't equal ownership and how to protect your Denver home with a solid estate plan.
By Dan McKenzie April 25, 2026
Learn why verbal promises aren't enough in Colorado probate court and how a formal estate plan from The McKenzie Law Firm can protect your Denver family.