Our Company

Northwest Trustee & Management Services provides professional administration for trusts, guardianships, estates, limited liability companies and agency accounts, focusing on the individualized financial and personal needs of each client.  Established in 1989, the firm is located in Spokane, Washington, and manages a multimillion-dollar portfolio with beneficiaries and assets in Washington and several other states.

Our mission is to provide professional trust services through a knowledgeable and experienced staff that is friendly, efficient and responsive to our clients and their advisors. This is done in a manner that:

• Adheres to the highest ethical standards
• Treats the client with dignity
• Provides clear and timely financial statements and reports
• Protects confidentiality

Ethics

Ethics are the internal knowledge of right from wrong, but, more importantly, the commitment to act in accordance with generally accepted ethical practices.  At Northwest Trustee, our staff is committed to the highest ethical standard when facing complex trust management issues.  The process begins with the law as set out in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) chapter 11, as well as the detailed code of ethics set out by the Washington Bar Association, that govern our activities.  Our tax preparer has earned the status of Enrolled Agent with the IRS, which allows her to represent our clients before the IRS, and she must also follow the procedures and principles set forth by them.  Stephen Trefts was among the first group of Certified Professional Guardians appointed by the Washington State Supreme Court and works under guardianship ethical guidelines established by the Supreme Court.

However, many issues within trust management are not directly stated within the law or code of ethics, and the officers must make discretionary decisions.  The firm has developed a team approach to decision making.  Outside legal counsel and other family or experts will be consulted if needed.

Dignity

Treating all clients with dignity is the cornerstone of our business.  This includes several key elements:

Communication.  From the beginning, we make sure that the individual, the family and all advisors are involved in the process of creating an effective legal and management plan.  In  order for the needs to  be met, however, they must be known.  That is why we encourage regular conversations with the beneficiaries either over the phone or in person.  The level of communication is completely dependent on the desires of the beneficiary.

Medical Care.  Medical care, planning, and supervision is a high priority at Northwest Trustee & Management Services.  We work with doctors, therapists, specialists, and other health providers, to make sure that our beneficiaries are obtaining the best possible care.  We also coordinate insurance policies with medical expenditures.  Finally, we will enroll our qualifying clients in Medicare Part D, and chose the plan that fits their specific situation.

Living Situation.  Every effort is made to allow the individual to remain living in the home.  This often involves retaining and supervising sub contractors, gardeners, chore service providers, visiting nurses, and finally medical care managers.  However, sometimes the client is better served and more comfortable in a group living situation.  We work closely with the individual and family members (when possible) to select the best group living situation that fits the individuals needs and desires.  Often we will take the clients to several homes to inspect them and interview personnel.

Reporting

We understand the need for you to see the progress of your trust or estate; and, therefore, we have created proprietary software to provide you with accurate and comprehensive reports.  These reports may be sent to you annually, semi-annually, or quarterly.  To view a sample of these reports, please choose the following:

Our Core Values dictate the way we do business.  These are not simply words.  Our commitment is to be guided by these values in our decisions, our interactions, and our services. 

Integrity

All that we say and do is guided by unwavering moral and ethical principles.

Diligence

Careful attention to our duties.

Professionalism

Seeks to achieve the highest level of technical proficiency and service.

Compassion

Empathetic to our clients' needs in order to understand how to serve them.

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"Northwest Trustee & Management Services takes care of all my money matters.  They watch and keep a close eye on what I have and what I will have in the future and they do a good job.  My trust officer cares about me and is always pleasant.  When I call, the staff is always nice and courteous and takes time to visit with me.  They are really on their toes."

"Just saying thank you for the many kindnesses you gave to Wally isn't quite enough.

I know this is your job to watch over your customers but I didn't expect the personal attention given to him.  I was a bit skeptical about his signing on with your company, but now I thank him profusely.

Thank you for doing all your duties with caring."