Trust & Estates Administration Paralegal

Job Title: Trust & Estates Administration Paralegal

Job Summary: As a Trust & Estates Administration Paralegal, you will provide crucial support to attorneys in the administration of trusts and estates. You will assist in managing the probate process, distributing assets, preparing tax filings, and communicating with beneficiaries. Your attention to detail and understanding of legal procedures will be essential in ensuring the efficient and accurate administration of trusts and estates.

Responsibilities:

1. Estate Administration: Assist attorneys in managing the administration of decedents' estates, including probate proceedings, asset inventory, creditor claims, and distribution of assets to beneficiaries. Prepare and file necessary court documents, petitions, and affidavits.

2. Trust Administration: Support attorneys in the administration of trusts, including funding trusts, managing trust assets, preparing accountings, and distributing trust income and principal to beneficiaries. Monitor compliance with trust terms and legal requirements.

3. Beneficiary Communication: Serve as a point of contact for beneficiaries of trusts and estates. Communicate with beneficiaries regarding their rights, entitlements, and distribution schedules. Provide updates on the status of estate or trust administration proceedings.

4. Estate Tax Filings: Assist in preparing and filing estate tax returns (Form 706) and related tax filings. Gather necessary financial information, calculate estate tax liabilities, and coordinate with tax professionals to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations.

5. Accounting and Recordkeeping: Maintain accurate records of trust and estate transactions, including financial transactions, asset valuations, and distributions. Prepare periodic accountings and reports for beneficiaries, courts, and taxing authorities.

6. Legal Research: Conduct legal research on trust and estate administration issues, probate laws, and tax implications. Compile relevant statutes, regulations, and case law to support attorneys in advising clients and resolving legal matters.

7. Document Preparation: Draft legal documents and correspondence related to trust and estate administration, including deeds, contracts, releases, and waivers. Ensure accuracy and compliance with legal requirements and court procedures.

8. Collaboration and Coordination: Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, financial advisors, accountants, and other professionals involved in trust and estate administration. Coordinate activities and exchange information to facilitate the resolution of legal matters.

9. Client Service: Provide exceptional service to clients by addressing inquiries, providing updates, and ensuring timely resolution of administrative matters. Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all client interactions.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree or associate degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, or related field preferred.
2. Paralegal certificate from an accredited program is a plus.
3. Prior experience working as a paralegal in trust and estate administration preferred.
4. Strong knowledge of probate procedures, trust administration principles, and estate tax laws.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal software applications.
6. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
7. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, attorneys, and colleagues.
8. Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload effectively.
9. Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding ethical standards.

Seeking a Trust and Estate Administration Paralegal with 5 plus years experience to join our New Jersey, New York or Florida Offices. Responsible for handling all phases of estate and trust administration, including probate (knowledge of New Jersey, New York and Florida probate a plus), extensive communication with clients, financial planners and accountants, preparation of federal and state estate tax returns and fiduciary accountings, distribution of estate assets and trust funding, deed work and etc.  Superior communication and mathematical skills are a must.  Strong working knowledge of estate tax software (ONESOURCE/Fast Tax), HotDocs and Microsoft Word a plus. 

Candidates must be highly organized and possess the ability to prioritize, be a team player, and have excellent written and verbal skills.  College degree and/or paralegal certificate preferred.  We will consider a JD/paralegal candidate as well.