Ask the Experts: What should I do regarding my trust when my spouse dies?

This week, Sacramento estate planning attorney Kay Brooks answers readers questions in the Sacramento Bee column “Ask the Experts.”

Q: My wife and I are trustees on our Revocable Trust. My wife died recently. My question: What do I do now regarding the trust? I’ve received different advice such as do nothing to I must file a tax return. What about time frames for acting? Also, I understand that any shares of stock gets a step-up in basis, either a 100% or 1/2 step-up. How do I accomplish this step-up? — Lewis, Rio Linda, CA

To read Kay Brooks answer, visit the Ask the Expert column here on the Sacbee.com