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Is there an acceptable time frame that the POA has to turn over banking info and bills to the trustee and/ or executor after death?
Should billing address be changed to the trustee or executor?
If there are co-trustees /co-executors. What is the best way to handle this and keep track of who is doing what?


Thanks for your help

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If a Pour-Over Will was executed, the Successor Trustee would be named in that, as well as in the Living (?) Trust.  In my experience, the Executor or Executrix are in fact the Successor Trustee(s).   But it is possible (and potentially unwieldy) for them to be different individuals.

'Pour-Over means that the assets and dispositions identified in the Will are "shifted" (for lack of a better term), and incorporated into the Trust, which identifies intended disposition of the various assets. 

This individual (Trustee) would be responsible for changing any addresses, for assets covered by the Trust.    If any assets aren't, they would be handled by an Executor/trix.  

I wouldn't go by a time frame but rather turn over all the data ASAP.    There are a lot more issues to address in a Trust than in a Will, and the Trustee will need to make an assessment as well as inventory while addressing methods to handle each different type of asset.

This can be time consuming, especially if there are mutuals or stocks involved, as name changes need to be made from the deceased individual's name to that of the Trust, and the name of the Successor Trustee needs to be added to the records.

E.g., I had to deal with several stocks, in 5 different companies, each of which had a different set of documents, generally 5 - 6+, that had to be completed, executed, witnessed, and sometimes Medallion Guaranteed.    I used to have this done by our bank for stock transfers, but you'll need to check with the bank at which you open a Trust Account to determine if they'll either notarize or Medallion Guarantee.

And that's another aspect that needs to be addressed.  Not all banks handle Trust Accounts, and even then not all of them have skilled staff.   (A copy of the executed Trust will be reviewed by the Bank's Trust Department before the Bank will agree to participate).   If it does, it will order checks in the name of he Trust.

You asked about Co-Trustees and Co-Executors.   They should be one and the same, again, if a Pour-Over Will was executed.  As to keeping track of who's handling what, I'm wondering just how many are involved, and whether each of them has a specific expertise?   

It would also help to know what your status is, so it can be determined how you need to interact with the Trustee(s).  If you're not an Executor/trix or Trustee, you wouldn't have any official obligations, but you could assist in identifying all the assets.   Sometimes this can be like an Easter hunt!

So I would collect all the data at my earliest convenience so the Trustee can assess the situation and begin the transfer documentation process.  One way you can help though is to assist with the asset inventory to ensure everything is included.

If any real property is titled in the name of the Trust, the Trustee will be responsible for notifying the local community (especially the Treasurer) so that taxes can be properly addressed and issued to the Trustee when the time comes.   This would also include any community services, such as trash pickup, water and sewer provisions.

And all other companies providing services until the property is disposed of should be notified as well, and title changed.   However, I've found that utilities often don't change ownership names to Trusts but just use names of the Trustees.   

A warning:  don't be surprised if flippers come out of the woodwork and want to low ball any real property to flip it, w/o all the necessary activities provided by legitimate real estate agents.   This year is I think a "flipper" year; I've gotten 7 solicitations so far.

If any of this is confusing or doesn't make sense, just post back.  I have to keep reminding myself of all the different aspects sometimes as well!
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Ask the executor what you want them to do. JoAnn is correct. Your job is over. You are not legally liable nor even allowed to do anything after death. If you know about accounts and bills the executor will be greatly assisted by your cooperation. Do contact him or her.
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Probate can't even be started until maybe 10 days after the death. Just make a call saying you just want them to know that you are ready anytime to go over the finances with them. Maybe a day or two after the funeral.

You change nothing. Your responsibility was done at time of death. Its now up to the Executor to make changes needed. Like I said, Probate has a waiting period, in my state anyway. Executor can't even get a short certificate allowing him/her to deal with the bank and creditors. Once you hand over the information, your work is done. Its now Executors responsibility to make sure the correct people are notified, pay the bills, get an accouting together. If the Estate is complicated he/she can consult you or hire a lawyer. But you do not need to "keep track" of anything. Your job is over. Its now the Executors responsibility.
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Once the person passes the PoA's authority ends immediately, so you need to provide that info to the executors right away so they can take care of their responsibilities. You won't be processing any more bill payments so you will need to find out who forward all further mail to. You will not need to "keep track" of who is doing what...now it is between the executors and Trustees. Others will have insights about how best to transfer the info and if it is your responsibility to give it to the Trustee or if the executor does that or visa versa.
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