Planning for the future of your family can be complex and stressful. That’s why we’re dedicated to working with you and your family throughout each stage of the trust and estate planning process. Establishing a solid estate plan with the support of your entire family is crucial to long-term success. Having First Western at your side as a trusted partner will provide security and protection for your loved ones while giving you confidence and peace of mind.
A Matter of Trust
At First Western we take the title “fiduciary” seriously. The key characteristic of acting as a fiduciary is trust. When given the fiduciary title, it means you have been entrusted to appropriately handle property or power for the benefit of another.
When preparing a trust, many families name a friend or relative to serve as the executor, personal representative, or trustee. Although this may see like an appropriate choice, it can be a costly mistake.
Often the case, family and friends do not have the background or experience to make prudent investment decisions, manage the accounting requirements, prepare federal and state tax returns or make delicate decisions regarding appropriate distributions to beneficiaries. These responsibilities, in conjunction with balancing the needs of current and future beneficiaries, can be emotionally and financially taxing on your loved ones.
Corporate Trustee
By selecting First Western to serve as your corporate trustee, you are choosing a trusted advisor who understands the importance of making a sometimes difficult process much more manageable. Additionally, our unbiased decision-making, high accountability and expertise allow us to serve as an ideal trustee to manage your family dynamics and protect the intentions of your trust.
Your Family, Our Services
Our trust advisors are committed to making your life a little easier through many means including:
- Investment management and review
- Review of your family estate plan in conjunction with your attorney and accountant
- Tax return preparation and accounting for trusts and estates
- Probate appointment as executor or personal representative
- Conservatorship and Guardianship services for minor and disabled beneficiaries
- Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust administration, including policy performance reviews
- Specialty asset management including:
- Real estate
- Oil and gas
- Closely-held businesses
- Farm and ranch assets
- Escrow services
- Custody of assets and accounting for private trustees
- Business succession planning