Trusts and Estates Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include all facets of trust and probate administration, including meeting with clients, trustees and family members; communicating with beneficiaries; drafting correspondence and legal documents; preparing deeds, asset spreadsheets, and probate pleadings; preparing federal estate tax returns and gift tax returns; preparing fiduciary income tax returns for estates and trusts; preparation and review of annual trust accountings; reviewing bank and brokerage statements;

notarizing documents; and organizing and maintaining client files.

• Research, draft, and file probate court documents.
• Compile information, review computations, and draft federal and state estate tax returns.
• Compile information, review computations, and draft federal gift tax returns.
• Marshal the collection and transfer of assets, payment of debts and administration expenses, and distribution of assets to beneficiaries for probate estates and funded trusts.
• File wills in appropriate counties.
• Prepare deeds.
• Ensure proper docketing and timely filing of all tax returns and court papers.
• Prepare and send correspondence, including composing transmittal letters, etc.
• Communicate with banks, other financial institutions, and relevant parties to assist with administration of trust.
• Prepare guardianship/conservatorship forms and assist with all necessary filings with the court and CAAP.
• Prepare and coordinate requests for duplicating, messenger delivery, word processing, special mail handling, accounting, and other office services.
• Meet with clients and attorneys concerning the estate and/or trust.
• Accurate recording of time for billing purposes.

Qualifications:

• College degree and paralegal certificate.
• 5-10 years of experience as a paralegal with a law firm or financial institution, specializing in the areas of probate estate administration.
• Strong drafting skills with experience in preparation of probate court documents, including opening and closing court papers, inventories, and accounts.
• Proficient in administration of probate estates and funded trusts, including the collection and transfer of assets, the payment of debts and administration expenses, and the distribution of assets to beneficiaries.
• Experience in preparation of federal estate tax returns.
• Experience in preparation of federal gift tax returns preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and probate court e-filing software.
• Notary or willingness to become notary preferred.