Posts by Northwest Trustee
The Effects of ‘Do-It-Yourself’ Estate Planning
Sandy Calbreath, Trust Officer
After spending a lifetime building your estate, a “do-it-yourself” attempt at estate planning can result in a legacy of confusion. This is a brief story of one of our clients who left just such a legacy.
Read MoreThe Duties of a Fiduciary
Cam McGilivray, Trust Officer
Entering a fiduciary relationship carries serious responsibilities. In Washington, trustees are guided by both the terms of the trust document and by statutes pertaining to trusts. This article outlines what can happen if there is a breach of fiduciary duty, as well a highlight some of the laws.
Read MoreReal Examples of Financial Exploitation
Stephen Trefts, President
Financial exploitation is often financially and emotionally devastating to the exploited individual. The following true stories illustrate the complexity of the problem, and highlight some ways to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Read MoreMeeting the Needs of our Beneficiaries Through All Life Stages
Stephen Trefts, President
This story of Margaret shows how we walk alongside our beneficiaries to ensure their needs are met through all the stages of life.
Read MoreManaging Personal Residence to Meet the Needs of the Beneficiary
Sandy Calbreath, Trust Officer
Many of our trusts include the residence of the beneficiary. The following summary explains how we manage property within our trusts.
Read MoreMaking Trust Payout Decisions
Stephen Trefts, President
The language of the trust document determines how we make trust payout decision. This article addresses the nuances of several common distribution types to take into consideration when creating trust documents.
Read MoreMaking Discretionary Decisions
Stephen Trefts, President
Discretionary decision making is a big part of being a trustee, and one that effects beneficiaries greatly. While there is no mechanical formula that can be used, this article identifies certain land marks we look for on the road to the right decision.
Read MoreHousing Decisions for Senior Adults
Sandy Calbreath, Trust Officer
Where a person lives out the remainder of his or her life is a very important decision. As trustee, we understand that each individual’s needs are different and find the living arrangement that will best meet those needs.
Read MoreHelp When You are in Over Your Head – Agency Agreements
Sandy Calbreath, Trust Officer
Agreeing to serve as trustee or attorney-in-fact under a Power of Attorney seems like reasonable task when your friend or family member is not incapacitated. However, the task can easily become a burden when it comes time to make difficult decisions or enter into complicated family dynamics. An Agency Agreements allows you to remain in control, and at the same time have help with the administrative tasks involved.
Read MoreTrusts for the Benefit of Your Children
Stephen Trefts, President
Trusts for children come in many different forms and can be crafted to meet the needs of each individual child. Following are examples of the possibilities available to provide for children through proper trust planning.
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