A properly funded trust usually avoids probate. However, there are still many steps needed for the proper estate administration: the beneficiaries must be notified, assets must be collected and inventoried, potential creditors should be notified, debts, taxes and final expenses must be paid, and ultimately all remaining income and wealth should be distributed in accordance with the trust’s terms. Successor trustees often lack the time, resources or knowledge to personally manage the succession and therefore may need to hire legal, accounting and investment professionals. Often, a corporate trustee (such as a trust company) is an excellent alternative to relying solely on family members or friends who might be too busy to serve as trustees.