In managing the trust’s affairs, you may need help from professionals such as lawyers, brokers, financial advisors, accountants, real estate agents, appraisers, psychologists, social workers, doctors, nurses, or care managers. You can pay them with money from the trust.
If you need help from any professionals, remember these tips:
- Check on the professional’s qualifications. Many professionals must be licensed or registered by a government agency. Check credentials with the government agency. Make sure the license or registration is current and the professional is in good standing. Check the person’s complaint history.
- Interview the professional thoroughly and ask questions. Consider taking notes for your personal records.
- Review contracts carefully before signing. Before hiring any professionals, get their proposed plan of work and expected fee. Consider saving comparisons for your personal records.
- Make your own decisions based on facts and advice. Listen to their advice, but remember you are the decision-maker. You have a duty to choose professionals carefully and if you choose poorly, you could be held personally responsible for their mistakes. Remember to always maintain good records and to document why decisions were made, including the information used in making such decisions.