Trust and Estate Services

We can serve as a trustee for your estate planning needs and as a portfolio manager for a wide range of assets, including real estate. We work to guard your legacy by facilitating tax savings, protecting assets, and preserving family relationships. We can also provide education on how to open a trust and integrate it with your broader estate plan. 

Services:

• Estate planning – Because family and personal considerations require an individualized approach, our wealth and fiduciary advisors will help you implement an estate plan designed around your unique needs and goals. Through careful planning, our team of estate planning professionals will help ensure your assets are distributed as you intend, supporting your family’s financial security, providing for beneficiaries, and saving on estate settlement costs and taxes.  
• Administration of trusts – Bell is an excellent choice to serve as a corporate trustee if you are considering a living trust or testamentary trust. We can also serve as a successor trustee and provide guidance on trust and estate planning considerations at every stage. 
• Investment management – We manage securities, real estate and other unique assets, acting as the quarterback of your investment strategy.  
• Business succession guidance – We coordinate with your legal and tax advisors, serving as fiduciary advisors within your broader estate planning framework.
• Custom financial planning – We help develop a personalized plan for income and cash flow management, wealth preservation and asset distribution. 

As part of our broader trust and estate planning services, we can serve as an executor/personal representative for an estate. Our team will inventory, value and distribute assets according to the decedent’s wishes. As conservator, we protect and manage the assets of individuals who can no longer manage their own financial affairs.  

Conservatorship services (incapacity): 

• Protect and manage assets 
• Collect income and pay monthly expenses 
• Work with guardian regarding individual’s needs
• Assist with the management of real estate and personal property 

Estate services (after death): 

An executor/personal representative collects assets, pays debts and distributes the remainder to heirs. In an estate of even modest proportions, the executor must: 

• Notify all appropriate heirs and beneficiaries
• Locate, inventory and safeguard estate assets
• Provide continuing management for income-producing interests
• Pay legitimate claims of creditors and administration expenses
• Collect debts owed
• Sell estate property on advantageous terms
• Assume responsibility for tax returns
• Keep detailed records of all income, expenses and transactions
• Distribute the estate in accordance with provisions in the will

Our philanthropic solutions team helps nonprofits, foundations and endowments by serving as a corporate trustee or agent. Our services include investment management, policy development, liquidation of donated assets (including real estate and unique assets), administration of grant money, custody and recordkeeping, and guidance on charitable giving and estate planning strategies.