Become the best Trustee for your Family's Trust.
There is more information out there about Setting up a Trust and less about Executing a Trust or what to expect as a Trustee. Setting up a Trust is only half the story. A Trustee takes the baton and crosses the finish-line.
I'm Laura Elliott and I empower women, daughters, spouses, granddaughters,
to create a blueprint to confidently execute a family trust.
When I took on the task to help my Mom with executing my Stepfather’s complicated estate, I felt overwhelmed after the first meeting with the Estate Attorney. So much to do and I didn't know where to begin.
I broke down in the kitchen.
Struggling with the fear of letting down my Stepfather, and my Mom, and compromising all that he had worked so hard for during his life.
My stepfather was the person I would usually ask about these things, but he was gone. I keenly felt the absence of his guidance.
This was the last thing I could do for my stepfather. I took up the challenge. Calling on my own business experience, I created multiple tools to streamline the process, as well a detailed timeline necessary for the Trustee to take appropriate steps. This path exposed all the things that the accountant and estate attorney may not mention, like how to talk to benefactors about the Trust and don't close all the bank accounts right away.
Copy my homework. Learn the ups and downs. Avoid the downside. Continue the Legacy.
Work With me
Why work with a Mentor?
There is more information out there about Setting up a Trust and less about Executing a Trust or what to expect as a Trustee. Setting up a Trust is only half the story. A Trustee takes the baton and crosses the finish-line.
With a coaching approach you will master all aspects of Trustee management.
Sometimes you don't know the question to ask. You don't know what you don't know.
Learn how to talk with your relatives, adult children and their spouses about their inheritance. Learn how to teach financial education to those receiving a large inheritance. Understand how to evaluate non-profit organizations and their financial statements before you consider a large donation. Understand the roles and responsibilities of a Trustee and a general timeline of the progress. Learn efficient record-keeping and documentation best practices.
My commitment to you: I will listen to your current needs, provide solutions and help you confidently communicate with professional advisors and get the most out of their valuable time and expertise.
executing a family estate?
Are you a woman tasked with executing a family estate or assisting an older loved one? Or know someone who is?
You are the CEO of the Family Trust now. You don't have to be the CFO or Legal Firm or Banker, but you do need to coordinate those advisors. You do need to make sure all the stakeholders are on the same page.
Some of the topics covered in the Six week Mentoring program
Roles and responsibilities of a Trustee with a timeline.
Practical Tools for Trust Administration.
Things they don't tell you about being a Trustee.
Record-keeping and documentation best practices.
Effective communication with Beneficiaries, including talking to adult children and their spouses about their inheritance and financial education.
Problem-solving and dispute resolution in Trust administration.
Evaluating non-profit organizations.
Understanding financial statements.
Common issues that come up in every Trust and how to address them.
Discover how to extend your own Family legacy after the Trust process is complete.
Any issues unique to your family's trust.
And a listening ear during the overwhelming times....
My services include basic education on trust execution and management, organizational tools, best-practice communication skills, and one-on-one sessions to discuss your unique situation, completely confidential.
Success Stories
Before I started working with Laura, I felt overwhelmed with all the confusing aspects of executing a trust. My mom had just died after a long illness. The guidance and support I received made things so much easier. I was able to use the time on the attorney's billing clock very efficiently.
Caroline D.
I was at a point of extreme frustration. My father died suddenly, and I was appointed the executor of his Trust. I was a working, single mom with a child, grieving the loss of my dad, and I was completely lost about where to even begin. You don't know what you don't know. Laura provided me with tools, resources, and advice from her experiences to help me facilitate the trust and to finish my role as a daughter strong.
Dana P.
FAQS
Why Trustee Guidance?
Streamline this process in the time it takes to drink your morning cup of coffee. Ok, maybe two cups.
My resources and experience can help you organize paperwork and communicate efficiently with all your advisors. The Trustee Guidance Coaching Program is designed to assist Trustees with common pitfalls, fast track asset and expense organization with useable tools. Plus learn how to best communicate with professional advisors and beneficiaries.
Trustee Guidance vs. Estate Attorney or Tax Accountant
But, Laura, the estate attorney will handle everything.
While estate attorneys, tax attorneys and accountants play critical roles in navigating the legal complexities of estate and tax matters, they do not handle every aspect of estate settlement. Trustees are responsible for gathering necessary documentation, managing assets, paying bills, and communicating with various professionals, including estate and tax attorneys.
My comprehensive approach helps alleviate the stress of managing various responsibilities and ensures a smoother, more efficient process, avoiding common pitfalls.
Family members and beneficiaries will back you 100% in every decision you make, because you are in charge of the Trust.
In reality, executing and managing a Family Trust can often lead to disagreements among loved ones, especially during an emotionally-charged time. Differing opinions, personal interests, and misunderstandings about the Trust Grantor's intentions can all contribute to tensions.
Trustee Guidance's Coaching Program provides practical strategies and empathetic support to help Trustees manage family dynamics effectively. My services assist with clear communication, transparency, and conflict resolution, ensuring that you can honor your loved one’s legacy while maintaining family harmony.
Disclaimer:
Trustee Guidance does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. The materials provided have been prepared for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Clients should consult their own tax, legal and accounting advisors before applying the laws to their particular situations or engaging in any transaction.