Succession Agreement

A frequently asked question is whether Northwest Trustee & Management Services, a sole proprietorship, has a succession plan.  The answer is yes.  In the event that Stephen Trefts is unable to serve as trustee, then Sandy Calbreath, our Senior Trust Officer, will serve as successor trustee.  As additional insurance, in the event that Sandy Calbreath is unable to serve as successor trustee, Charles Cleveland, Attorney at Law, will serve as alternate successor trustee. 

Sandy Calbreath

(Please click here for a full biography)

Charles Cleveland, J.D.

A graduate of Gonzaga University Law School, attorney Charles Cleveland also received an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Denver Law School.  Since 1984, he has practiced law in Spokane specializing in securities law and estate planning.  He has provided legal counsel to Northwest Trustee & Management Services for over a decade and is well acquainted with all aspects of the business.  Community and professional affiliations include:  Member, American, Washington State and Spokane County Bar Associations; Board Member, L'Arche, Spokane; Member, YMCA Youth Sports Committee; Coach, Amateur Athletic Union; Member, Technet Forum Review Committee; Member, Gonzaga Law School Development Committee. 

The Special Needs Trust

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Aaron was gravely injured at birth through medical malpractice.  The litigation proceeds were deposited in a court supervised special needs trust.  We report to the court on a regular basis.  We purchased a home for the family for which they pay rent that is offset by caregiving services they provide Aaron.  We coordinate our efforts with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services so we do not reduce any of Aaron's State benefits.  We upgraded their first home and created a handicapped bathroom.  This home was sold so that a larger home could be purchased.  This allowed us to work with the State to install a lift system to transport him from the bedroom to the bathroom.  We also purchased a handicapped van with a special lift system so that he can be transported safely and comfortably.