Newsletter Articles

An incredible journey started as a vision, born in the basement of our modest home more than 30 years ago, that led us to open an office in the Puget Sound.

We are thrilled to welcome Capstone Trust to the Northwest Trustee & Management Services’ family! The team from Capstone Trust is now part of Northwest Trustee, where we remain committed to offering trust and estate solutions. 

Our business has transformed into a leading independent trust company that spans across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.

By creating a permanent presence in Boise, we have increased our ability to provide the unique services of an independent, non-bank, chartered Trust Company to residents all across Idaho.

The pitfalls of naming a family member or friend as Trustee or Personal Representative are highlighted in this article. We hope these stories assist you in selecting the best fiduciary for your plans. 

When it comes to estate planning, the best laid-plans can derail because of simple oversights over time, or errors in judgement.  Here are some ways to help this not happen to you.

By achieving the designation of a state chartered trust company, and with our new capabilities under the recently enacted directed trust laws, we are even better equipped to provide your clients with creative solutions to their complex fiduciary needs. 

The following case was argued before the Washington Supreme Court, in which we successfully defended an estate under our management.  The ruling provides valuable lessons for both estate planning attorneys and their clients who are considering naming a family member as a trustee.

Occasionally a trustee is replaced because of malfeasance.  More commonly, the trustee is simply unable to fulfill his or her duties due to a lack of knowledge or skills, too little time, or because of interpersonal conflicts.

Let us help you with the tsunami of new trusts created by the end of this year.

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. 

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.

This story of Margaret shows how we walk alongside our beneficiaries to ensure their needs are met through all the stages of life.

A directed trust allows a person creating a trust to direct specific duties of the trust to a third party, rather than conferring all authority and duties to a trustee.  Before Washington allowed for this, you would have to go to a trust company in another state to receive this service, such as Delaware or South Dakota.  Now you can have the benefit of a local trust management company who can provide with these services. 

Managing a trust is complicated.  Considering the following real-life trust situation where we stepped in to manage a trust that was in disarray.  

When our hardworking and resourceful trust beneficiary lost everything in the Carlton Complex Fires, we were able to partner with her as she rebuilt her life.

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.

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.

Many of our trusts include the residence of the beneficiary.  The following summary explains how we manage property within our trusts.

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.  

In the face of economic storms, how does a trustee make wise investment decisions? There are several steps we take to create a trust lifeboat in the sea of these turbulent financial times.

Conflicts are a fact of life, but unresolved conflicts can tear families apart.  Our role as trustee is to resolve the disputes fairly and administer the trust impartially.  This article highlights how estate planning decisions can cause conflicts, and how we go about resolving them.

Guardianships provide protection for vulnerable or abused within society.  This article outlines what we do as Guardian of the Estate, and the benefits for our clients.

Guardianship laws create solid accountability to the court and the incapacitated person. They set a high bar for both professional and non-professional guardians that will ultimately benefit the most vulnerable persons who are depending on us for their care and financial well-being

The task of taking an estate through probate and estate settlement is often more than you might expect.

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.  

Charitable trusts are a great way to provide for your family and also leave something for the community.  The story of Maurice shows how this benefits everyone.

IRA's often form a significant part of most estate plans.  Using a Charitable Remainder Trust can be used to reduce taxes, ensure professionally managed assets during the lifetime of the beneficiary, and ultimately benefit a deserving charity.

Planned giving programs are an extremely effective way to help the charitable organizations you are passionate about.  Over the years, it has brought me great satisfaction to witness firsthand the generosity of our clients support their charitable causes well beyond their lifetime.  

Losing control over your life or finances can make anyone feel anxious.  Revocable living trusts are a great way plan for the future, and still remain in control of your finances for as long as you are able.  This story of Lowell and Geraldine highlights these benefits.

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. 

Proposed federal tax changes — it's not too late to reassess your estate planning.

This article highlights how the increased use of “directed trusts” in the Northwest has provided increased control and flexibility for families while still accomplishing their tax and estate planning goals.  

 After many years in the trust and estate management business, we have found that there are several common estate planning errors that will inevitably start a family war when it comes time to implement that plan.

It is heartbreaking to watch the elderly become victim of financial exploitation.  In this article we explore what financial exploitation is, some red flags to identify when it is happening, and how to avoid it.

Losing a spouse is hard enough, but becoming a victim of financial exploitation is something no one should have to go through.  This is the story of one of our clients who we helped out of exploitation through a keen-eyed investment advisor.

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.

Let us help you look good with your clients by helping you guide them through the 2021 estate planning efforts.