22 - The Types and Responsibilities of a Fiduciary
Bellomo & Associates
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Apr 19, 2023
Pennsylvania - South Central PA
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Episode Summary
There are four types of fiduciaries. Serving as a fiduciary comes with great responsibility and takes a lot of work. Whether choosing a fiduciary or agreeing to serve as one, it’s important to understand what the role requires. As Bellomo and Associates prepares to launch its new fiduciary workshop, Jeff introduces us to the various fiduciary types and what is expected of them.
Key Takeaways
01:29 – What is a fiduciary?
Someone to whom property or power is entrusted for the benefit of another
Four types of fiduciaries: financial power of attorney, health care power of attorney, executor/executrix, trustee
02:05 – Our growing lineup of workshops
Will soon launch a new fiduciary workshop
Current workshops: probate and trust administration, pre-planning, crisis planning, special needs
04:27 – Serving as financial power of attorney
An advocate to tend to the finances and make sure bills are being paid
Make important financial decisions
Impartial, assertive, detail-oriented, organized, diligent, competent
Living locally is helpful
06:26 – Serving as health care power of attorney
Make sure individual’s health care needs are being met
An advocate for important health care decisions
A background in health care is helpful
Impartial, assertive, detail-oriented, organized, diligent, competent
Consider choosing a retired health care provider (e.g., nurse or social worker) who is knowledgeable and trustworthy
10:20 – Serving as an executor/executrix
Executor (male) or executrix (female) of the last will and testament
An advocate to carry out the wishes of the testator
Responsible for bills, taxes, liabilities, and distributing the assets according to the will
Receives authority when they receive the “letters testamentary” after the probate petition
Gifting assets or naming children as joint owners on accounts is not recommended in many cases
15:15 – Serving as a trustee
Different types of trusts can be created for a variety of reasons: taxes, asset protection, etc.
The person appointed as trustee will likely vary depending on the type of trust
Special needs trusts will usually require a professional fiduciary (e.g., Achieva or Security Trust in Pennsylvania)
A professional fiduciary, such as a trust company or an insured professional, is recommended when the trust is meant to serve someone who is not responsible enough to manage the money or when extreme wealth is involved
Choose a fiduciary who is good with money, impartial, assertive, organized, detail-oriented, diligent, and competent
A person can be the trustee of their own asset protection trust, and this often calls for a second person to serve as co-trustee
Links and Resources Mentioned
Bellomo & Associates workshops, including “The Three Lands of Estate Planning”:
https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/
For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390.
Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates
- To view the original version of this article visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcpyLLusuO0
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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Local Services By This Author
Bellomo & Associates
Estate Planning 3198 E Market St, York, Pennsylvania, 17402We Educate so what happened to the Bellomo Family doesn't happen to yours!Our firms mission is to ensure that you and your family never needlessly, painfully suffer. Every team member has a personal story that has brought us here to advocate for you and your family. We want to replace your burden with peace of mind. We have the answers, but more important, we have your back.Bellomo & Associates, LLC advises Individuals and families, business owners, senior citizens, and their families about the estate planning and elder law challenges facing them today. For seniors and their families facing the issues of aging, or for those of any age who wish to protect their familys financial future, we counsel clients and provide solutions on Asset Protection; Specials Needs Trusts; Wills; Trust Design; Medicaid; Estate Planning; Nursing Home Matters; and Estate Administration. For our clients who own businesses, our team assists them with succession planning for their business in conjunction with their estate planning. We have office locations in York, PA, and Lancaster, PA.We offer FREE workshops! Our workshops are fun and entertaining ways to learn! We provide you with the information to decide what is right for you. If after attending, you decide we arent the right fit no problem! Youll never feel any pressure from our team.