A successor trustee is the person named in a living trust document to take over managing and distributing the trust’s property after the person who created the trust dies (or becomes unable to manage it themselves). The successor trustee’s authority comes from the trust document itself, not from a probate court appointment.
Why it matters
If you’re a successor trustee handling a house held in a living trust, you generally act under the authority the trust document gives you — which can include managing, listing, and selling trust property — rather than waiting for a probate court to issue Letters. That said, confirming your authority, the property’s title, and any conditions the trust places on a sale are still steps worth taking with your attorney before listing the house. See successor trustee responsibilities for a fuller overview.
General California probate and trust real-estate education. Not legal, tax, title, appraisal, or court advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your situation.