In addition to our legal education and experience, each of us has served as a Trust Officer for local and regional national banks. Bank Trust Officers are responsible for administering trusts held by a bank to ensure that the trusts are being administered in accordance with the intentions of the persons who established the trust for their loved ones. Bank Trust Officers also work directly with beneficiaries to identify their needs and explain why a trust was established for a beneficiary’s benefit and how the trust funds are to be used by the beneficiary. With this experience, we have gained valuable insight into how best to prepare trusts and wills to ensure that your exact wishes are carried out so that your loved ones are properly cared for and protected. Bank Trust Officers must also be well versed in investments and tax law because they are also responsible for monitoring how trust assets are invested and the tax ramifications of those investments to the trust and the beneficiaries.
Because of this experience, we understand more than just the legal aspects of trusts and estates. We are well acquainted with the financial and tax aspects of trusts and estates, and we are accustomed to communicating effectively with all of your financial and tax advisors. We have extensive experience in complex tax planning and tax return preparation with Stephen Chavez having earned his CPA in 1990 and his Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Florida in 1995.
