Personal Representative / Trustee / Successor Trustee

When someone we love dies, those closest to the individual are faced not only with grief and loss, but also with numerous responsibilities and tasks to complete.  NSFF was established to serve families during this difficult time by providing information, resources and services.  We are here to help with the transitions and next steps after the loss of a loved one.  Professional Fiduciary services provided by Leslie Mann-Damon, Arizona Licensed Fiduciary.

The Will often names someone to serve as the Personal Representative, the Trust instrument names someone to serve as Trustee / Successor Trustee.  If the person named is unable to serve in this capacity, an alternate must be established.  If there is no Will or Trust, the probate court will make an appointment in accordance with Arizona law. 

The Personal Representative is responsible for locating and marshaling assets, securing and providing care for the property, conducting an inventory of the assets, determining the nature of the property and identifying and paying allowable claims against the estate, including administrative costs and taxes.  Additionally, the Personal Representative distributes the property to the rightful beneficiaries or heirs and closes the estate.  (This is the significantly simplified version of all of the duties of the personal representative). 

The duties of the Personal Representative can be very complex and time intensive.  When a family elects, Leslie Mann-Damon, an Arizona Licensed Fiduciary, can be appointed by the court to serve as the Professional Personal Representative.  This option provides the family with the entire range of estate care services. 

A.R.S. 14-3703 Except as provided in the Will of the Decedent, a personal representative is a fiduciary who shall observe the standards of care applicable to trustees as defined by section 14-10804 and 14-10813(C).  A personal representative is under a duty to settle and distrubitee the estate of the decedent in accordance with the terms of any probated and effective will and this title, and as expeditiously and efficiently as is consistent with the best interests of the estate.
You can obtain more information about the role and responsibilities of the Professional Fiduciary at the Arizona Fiduciaries Association.

See the article Reasons to Hire a Professional Personal Representative

Arizona requires the Professional Personal Representative to be Licensed as a Fiduciary through the Administrative Office of the Courts, Certification and Licensing Division of the Arizona Supreme Court.