Our Client in Troy is seeking a Paralegal with Estate Planning, Trusts, Guardianship/Conservatorship, and Estate Administration.
Responsibilities
Support and assist the attorneys during all phases of probate, trust administration, estate and gift tax planning, and other estate planning matters.
Generate estate planning documents for clients using software, including Will, Trusts and Durable Powers of Attorney
Generate gift tax planning documents for clients, including irrevocable trusts and related documentation
Draft fiduciary income tax returns for trusts; inform trusts' beneficiaries of the tax liability of their distributions via IRS Schedules K-1
Draft gift tax returns, as well as prepare and maintain a calendar system for tax deadlines
Evaluate assets (as of date of death and alternate valuation date); verify bank balances and prepare inventory
Prepare accountings for estates and trusts
Draft final settlement and order for final distribution
Coordinate the transfer of assets into trusts, including bank accounts, stock transfers and real estate deeds
Make income payments to trust beneficiaries
Draft petitions and proposed orders as necessary
Maintain financial records of trusts
Correspond and communicate with trusts' grantors and beneficiaries
Draft inventories, accounts, and petitions for those trusts requiring adjudication
Draft pleadings registering or terminating trusts and appointing or substituting trustees
Create petitions to commence proceedings, personal well-being reports, notices of right to appeal annual and final accounts, restorations to capacity, and closing documents
Prepare accountings for guardianship and/or conservatorship
Conduct preliminary valuation of assets held by the ward/conservatee
Prepare and maintain a calendar system, noting important estate administration deadlines and court appearances
Obtain the will and draft necessary documents to file will with probate court
Draft documents to commence a probate proceeding; file the same with the probate court and act as liaison with court personnel while identifying interested parties by determining heirs, devisees, contingent beneficiaries and creditors
Evaluate assets (as of date of death and alternate valuation date); verify bank balances and prepare inventory
Coordinate with out-of-state attorneys to commence ancillary proceedings to, for example, transfer title of vacation real estate property, ascertain necessary creditor and debtor information, and determine status of life and health insurance benefits
Arrange for notice to creditors to be published in a local newspaper
Review creditor's claims; present to estate representative for approval; transmit claims to the court
File life insurance claims and other death benefit claims
Obtain and review income tax returns and other financial records
Maintain estate bank accounts and investments
Make a preliminary analysis of assets held by the decedent for investment purposes, potential sale, liquidity needs, and beneficiaries' needs
Draft individual, estate, fiduciary income, and gift tax returns
Collect documentation for audits of tax returns
Skill and Abilities
Proficient in the use of on-line legal research services and legal resources
Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)
Intermediate to advanced experience using Microsoft Excel and HotDocs
Experience with tax software programs
Education
Bachelor's Degree and Paralegal Certification from an ABA approved program is required
***For immediate consideration, please send your resume ***