Probate and Trust Administration Paralegal
Dover, NH
Full Time
Experienced
Job Summary
Dover-area law firm, deeply committed to helping clients, is seeking a Probate and Trust Administration Paralegal (PTAP) to work in a hybrid capacity (potential for remote) with the firm attorney in the probate and trust administration practice. We are looking for a hands-on professional with a strong foundation in research and investigation. As a systems builder, you’ll be responsible for constructing plans and seeing them through to completion, effectively managing multiple estate and trust administration files. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in handling all aspects of estate and trust administration, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and a deadline-oriented approach. A background in finance or banking is advantageous. Our firm is not just a workplace, but a supportive environment where you'll be valued, and your growth will be encouraged and supported.
Responsibilities
- Work in a hybrid capacity, balancing in-office and hybrid work as needed (potential for remote).
- Assist with all aspects of probate and estate administration, from open to closed.
- Assist with all aspects of trust administration, from open to closed.
- Preparation of probate documents with minimal direction from the attorney.
- Maintain a calendar of court pleading and deadlines.
- Correspondence with clients, financial institutions, and beneficiaries to obtain the necessary information.
- Answer client questions and requests by email or phone in a timely manner.
- Prepare necessary papers to transfer securities.
- Prepare and file claims for insurance proceeds and death benefits.
- Prepare accounts for estate administration or trust accounting.
- Correspond with the Probate Court as needed.
- Take incoming calls from clients and the Probate Court regarding cases.
- Promptly respond to client's requests and calls.
- Accurate timekeeping.
- Handling all aspects of estate administration, including identifying and collecting assets, maintaining estate bank accounts, paying/tracking estate expenditures, distributions to beneficiaries, and familiarity with estate and trust accounts.
- Preparing Receipt and Release Agreements.
- Act as a liaison between attorneys, clients, accountants, brokers, financial planners, and appraisers.
- Calculate filing fees and fiduciary commissions.
- Obtain asset valuations.
- Divide assets and fund trusts/bequests.
- Balance checkbooks and brokerage accounts.
- Assist clients with locating appropriate appraisers for real estate or personal property appraisal.
- Contact necessary companies to close any remaining accounts and credit cards.
- Come to team meetings prepared to review/discuss the status of open files.
- If the client advances any expenses on behalf of the estate/trust, track expenses and ensure that the client is reimbursed.
- If the estate is insolvent, draft letters to creditors or companies requesting pay-off amounts or advising them of the insolvency.
- Follow up with creditors or companies to pay off any remaining debts or to obtain written confirmation that the debt has been written off and no balance remains.
- Scan and save all estate/trust administration documents and organize them appropriately in electronic files.
- Prepare mailings as needed for the estate/trust administration process.
- Other duties assigned.
Education and Experience
- College Degree and/or Paralegal Certificate
- 2/5+ years of experience with New Hampshire and Maine probate and trust administration
- A background in banking or finance, with a focus on banking documents, retirement accounts, and investment docs is advantagous
- Notary Public a plus
- Intermediate knowledge of Office 365, competency in excel and familiarity with practice management software preferred
- Ability to work well within a team
- Good time management skills while remaining detailed and meeting deadlines
- Professional dress and communication skills
- Self-starter who thrives on immersion in a rapidly changing environment and excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to be personable yet persistent
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Cocheco Elder Law Associates, PLLC is a small law office that fosters a close-knit atmosphere where you'll feel valued and supported. We're a team dedicated to providing compassionate service to our clients, and collaboration is vital. In this supportive environment, you'll be able to learn from experienced professionals and grow your professional and legal knowledge.
Please note: The role may require some light lifting of boxes or supplies (up to 50 lbs.) and involve standing, bending, and sitting throughout the workday.
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