Why an Independent Trustee?

Fiduciary selection is one of the most important components of a successful estate plan.

Trustees have significant legal responsibilities for administering the Trust for its beneficiaries and for ensuring compliance. However, fiduciaries often fail to uphold their fiduciary duties or fail to follow the terms of the Trust while family dynamics further complicate matters.

An Independent Family Trustee is legally bound to carry out the terms of the Trust under a regulated environment and can do so for generations to come.

THE ROLE OF THE TRUSTEE

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RECORDKEEPING

Keeps required accurate records of all Trust documents and activities.
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TAX COMPLIANCE

Ensures required Trust accountings and tax returns are completed in compliance with all laws.
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DISBURSEMENTS

Disburses funds to beneficiaries as required or authorized by the Trust agreement.
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TRUST EXECUTION

Interprets and carries out the terms of the Trust in an independent and objective manner.

INDEPENDENT FAMILY TRUSTEE BENEFITS

INSTITUTIONAL MEMORY
Acts as a library for all dynastic decisions in the Trust.

PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION
Coordinates with other family advisors to achieve Trust goals.

COMPLIANCE OVERSIGHT
Administers Trust under the supervision of bank regulators.

TRUST EXPERIENCE
Has knowledge in the administration of Trusts lacked by non-professionals.

EDUCATION
Provides continuous guidance on the family constitution and planning needs.

CONTINUITY
Provides long-term Trust administration not limited by age or infirmity.

OBJECTIVE APPROACH
Deals with complex family situations fairly, effectively, and confidentially.

FORESIGHT AND READINESS
Recommends and implements changes as family planning needs evolve.

As all families are unique, it is important to be vigilant of issues that may be difficult for non-specialists to identify.

Our team’s experience in identifying potential issues and uncovering opportunities is particularly valued by our clients. When dealing with estates and trusts, mistakes can result in lost time, money and negative shifts in family dynamics. These mistakes can only be avoided through independent experience. We provide the strategies and guidance that have been proven to work in real-world applications.

Learn more about our approach.

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