Probate Trust Administration Paralegal

Location

Dover, NH | United States

Job description

The Probate & Trust Administration Paralegal (PTAP) personally and professionally supports the vision and mission of the law firm. The successful PTAP candidate is responsible for managing the firm's Probate and Trust Administration matters and ensuring they are done promptly and efficiently, following firm processes. The successful candidate will be organized, deadline-oriented, and dedicated to keeping the files progressing to completion. The PTAP works independently and collaborates with the lawyers and client services to foster a team spirit in cooperation with the law firm management. All law firm employees must always maintain confidentiality concerning clients, firm interests, and employees. The PTAP may perform other duties as necessary to keep the production and administration functions of the law firm operating smoothly and efficiently. Responsibilities: Essential Job Functions The responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: • Assist with all aspects of probate and estate administration from open to close. • Assist with all aspects of trust administration from open to close. • 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 common questions by email or phone concerning estate administration. • 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. • Obtain EINs. • Search for missing heirs and unclaimed property. • 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. • Send notice of the decedent's death to three major credit reporting agencies. • 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. • Draft other documents as required throughout the estate/trust administration process. • 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. Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities • Strong client communication and rapport. • Strong understanding of the probate process. • Presents professionally. • Strong planning and organizational skills. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work efficiently while using good judgment. • Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment. • Strong attention to detail and a sense of urgency. • Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting. • Remain current with ever-changing technology. • Positive attitude and demeanor with the ability to demonstrate tact, empathy, and diplomacy. • College Degree, Paralegal Certificate with 3+ years of probate and trust administration experience preferred. • Notary Public is a plus. • Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with MS Office Suite and electronic filing fluency. • Working knowledge of the internet, legal research tools, court websites, and familiarity with practice management software preferred. Compensation: $22 - $26 hourly DOE

• Essential Job FunctionsThe responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: • Assist with all aspects of probate and estate administration from open to close. • Assist with all aspects of trust administration from open to close. • 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 common questions by email or phone concerning estate administration. • 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. • Obtain EINs. • Search for missing heirs and unclaimed property. • 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. • Send notice of the decedent's death to three major credit reporting agencies. • 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. • Draft other documents as required throughout the estate/trust administration process. • 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.

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