For more than 50 years, Laird Norton Wealth Management (LNWM) has acted as trustee for a variety of trusts, many of which are still in existence. Because we have an in-house, dedicated team focused on trust management, we have the time and the expertise required to build a lasting relationship with each beneficiary, at their comfort level.

Trust beneficiaries will come across countless decisions in life. We are here to inform and guide each choice along the way. Here’s how we make that happen:

We Listen. Trust documents cannot foresee every circumstance that arises in life. Does that mean a request for funds from a beneficiary will be automatically turned down if it does not match the trust terms? Not necessarily. At Laird Norton, we work closely with each beneficiary to help them make informed financial choices, and to explore how their goals and aspirations can be supported by the trust.

We Educate. How long a trust lasts depends on how the assets are managed and the level of distributions. By helping a beneficiary develop a realistic budget, we gain an understanding of his/her needs and objectives. As part of our ongoing relationship, we review investment performance, discuss specific investments, and provide beneficiaries with the knowledge they need to properly maintain their finances. If things go off course, we are always there to help and restore balance.

We Advise. What if a beneficiary’s request for funding is complex or requires analysis, such as starting a business or moving overseas? Our Trust Advisory Committee (TAC) meets regularly to review and analyze non-ordinary requests and to make recommendations to the beneficiaries. TAC consists of our Managing Director of Fiduciary Services, our General Counsel, our Director of Operations, as well as client advisors and senior client analysts. At times, LNWM’s CEO may attend.