When it makes sense
You may want an independent trustee if…
There's no one in the family who's the right fit to serve, or asking them would put an unfair weight on someone you love.
Your beneficiaries live in different states, have their own lawyers, or include a charity, and a neutral hand keeps things smoother.
You want one person coordinating the legal work, the decisions, and the accountings, not three who don't talk to each other.
A trustee who was already named can't serve anymore, and you need a capable successor without the wheels coming off.
The offering
What Moran Trust does
Moran Trust is an independent professional trustee, run by Marianne Moran, a Florida attorney. Every trust gets her direct, personal attention, not a rotating case team or a committee vote.
Because Marianne is a practicing attorney, she reads the trust instrument and the statute behind a decision herself, rather than waiting on outside counsel — the fiduciary work and the legal reading happen under one roof. Moran Trust serves as sole trustee, administers Florida-law trusts from offices in Palm Beach and Tequesta, and coordinates with out-of-state and international parties.
The process
Start to finish.
Acceptance of trusteeship
Issues the notice of trust and notice to beneficiaries.
in accordance with § 736.0813, Fla. Stat.
Marshals assets
Brings the holdings under trust control.
Oversees prudent investment
Keeps assets invested with care alongside the trust's advisors.
in accordance with § 736.0814, Fla. Stat.
Ensures taxes are filed
Engages a CPA or tax attorney to file returns as needed.
Keeps beneficiaries informed
Reports to beneficiaries and their counsel as needed.
Provides accountings
Provides formal accountings or waivers where beneficiaries are already informed.
Makes distributions
Distributes as the trust directs, including charitable bequests.
The experience behind the role
Moran & Associates.
Moran Trust is Marianne Moran's practice. She has been a member of The Florida Bar since 2008, with work rooted in trusts and estates, representing both beneficiaries and fiduciaries, and she belongs to the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar.
Marianne is also the managing attorney at Moran & Associates, a Palm Beach firm that's served clients since 1975.
- FL Bar · 2008
- Serving Palm Beach & Martin
- RPPTL Section
“A trust is built to outlast the moment it was written. It deserves a hand that treats it that way.Independent & impartial · Palm Beach
The person in the seat
Get to know Marianne.
An independent trustee who's also a Florida attorney; her background, and how she approaches the work.