Maximizing Efficiency in Estate Administration: The Role of Paralegals By Imaan Moughal Saleem and Robert M. Nemzin
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s trusts and estates professionals, we are acutely aware of the complexities and challenges that can arise during estate administration. The process requires a deep understanding of the relevant laws and regulations, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to navigate sensitive family dynamics. Given the many tasks and responsibilities involved, trusts and estates attorneys and their teams must work efficiently and effectively to ensure the administration process runs smoothly. In this article, we focus on paralegals’ critical roles in supporting attorneys and firms during the estate administration process. By examining how paralegals can help organize and streamline the administration process, we hope to provide insights and practical guidance for our trusts and estates colleagues.
Imaan Moughal Saleem is a trusts and estates attorney at Manice Budd & Baggett LLP and an adjunct professor of law at Hofstra Law School. Robert M. Nemzin is a senior wealth planner for HSBC Private Bank. Published in Probate & Property, Volume 37, No 5 © 2023 by the American Bar Association. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved. This information or any portion thereof may not be copied or disseminated in any form or by any means or stored in an electronic database or retrieval system without the express written consent of the American Bar Association. 36
September/OctOber 2023
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Pre-Mortem Planning Paralegals can provide valuable support to attorneys in premortem estate administration. They can play a critical role by reviewing and updating estate planning documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives. This involves checking the documents for accuracy and ensuring they reflect the client’s current wishes and circumstances. Paralegals can help the attorney gather and organize important documents and assets, including bank and account statements, insurance policies, and other financial information, such as copies of tax returns, wealth statements, and balance sheets. A skilled paralegal can allow this complex process to be completed efficiently and accurately.
