Trust Department Services
Estate Settlement
Designating a neutral party for execution and administration of your estate can create a smooth process. Our Trust Department will serve as an unbiased, personal representative in the settlement of your estate. As an executor or administrator, it is our responsibility to:
- Take possession of the property of the deceased
- Inventory property and determine fair values
- Pay debts and taxes owed by the estate
- Provide appropriate post-mortem planning
- Distribute all remaining property as directed by will
Trustee
A trust can provide a measure of comfort knowing that you have a plan in place to properly manage your family's assets throughout different stages of your life. With a trust, you are able to direct the use of your assets in accordance with your wishes, goals, and objectives.
Trustees may have to make tough decisions that might not be popular with all your beneficiaries. Choosing one particular family member to act as personal trustee may cause conflicts within a family. Also, few family members have investment management skills or expertise in fiduciary law and practice. As trustee, we will provide unbiased loyalty and independence to manage and distribute assets held in trust according to your wishes, as expressed in the trust document.
Guardian/Conservator
Naming a neutral party, such as our Trust Department, as guardian or conservator can save you the trouble and heartache sometimes caused by appointing family members as guardians. As guardian or conservator, our Trust Department can:
- Provide impartiality to prevent dissension among family members
- Provide peace of mind for your family knowing that a professional is working in the best interest of the grantor
- Ensure that the grantor's financial affairs (paying bills, collecting interest, etc) are properly provided for
For specific questions regarding trust services, please contact Gary Harrop at 608-795-2120.
