Trust Services

Preserving and protecting your legacy for future generations.

What Is a Trust?

A trust is a fiduciary arrangement through which a trustee manages assets for the benefit of third parties.

A trust is commonly used to transfer wealth to heirs or to favored charitable organizations. Insurance products, such as life insurance policies, annuity contracts, and disability policies, may be used to fund trusts in appropriate circumstances.

Trusts are highly flexible and may be drafted to reflect the specific intentions of the individuals creating them while addressing the unique needs of trust beneficiaries.

A trust can serve as an important component of a comprehensive estate and wealth transfer plan, helping direct how assets are managed and distributed after death.

Why Trust Services Matter

Advanced estate planning and trust administration often require specialized knowledge that extends beyond traditional financial planning.

Using trust services means collaborating with experienced professionals and legal counsel to help ensure trust arrangements are established and administered properly.

The person appointed as trustee should possess the knowledge and capability necessary to administer potentially complex arrangements while fulfilling fiduciary duties and responsibilities required under trust law.

---

Trust Services May Include

• Investment Management

  Prudent diversification and ongoing management of trust assets in accordance with trust objectives.

• Account Reporting

  Periodic statements, annual tax reporting, and investment reporting.

• Asset Administration

  Custody of assets, cash management, and prompt distribution of trust assets.

• Capital Change Processing

  Administration of stock dividends, stock splits, exchanges, tender offers, and other capital events.

• Cash Flow Management

  Bill payment services, automated deposits, distributions, ACH transactions, and wire transfers.

• Income Collection and Allocation

  Collection and allocation of income according to trust provisions.

---

Selecting the Right Trustee

Traditionally, financial professionals often referred clients to outside trust providers for administration services.

Selecting the right trustee is an important decision because a trustee is responsible for managing trust assets, carrying out trust instructions, and acting in the best interests of beneficiaries.

If properly drafted by an attorney and administered by a qualified trustee, a trust can help ensure that assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes.

---

Important Considerations

The information provided is not written or intended as specific tax or legal advice.

Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax or legal counsel.

Individuals involved in the estate planning process should work with a coordinated estate planning team, including their own personal legal and tax advisors.

---