The People Beyond the Paper: Fiduciaries in Your Estate Plan (NWL)

Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of the Fiduciaries in Your Estate Plan

When you create an estate plan, it is more than just paper. There are people that you trust to carry out certain financial and legal responsibilities to ensure that your wishes are met. In this session, learn from estate planning attorney and West Hartford resident, Colleen Masse about the people part of your estate plan – executors, trustees, powers of attorney, and health care representatives – and which of these are considered fiduciaries and why.  She’ll also clear up common questions and misconceptions about fiduciaries including how the powers and responsibilities of each differ, if multiple people or the same person can be named in more than one role, and tips to help you determine who you should – and should not - choose in your own estate plan to fulfill these vital roles.

Balancing everyday responsibilities and expectations can be challenging when you are caring for a loved one living with a disability. Add estate or special needs planning for the future into the mix, and it may feel utterly overwhelming. Attorney Colleen Masse understands what you are feeling and can guide you through your planning process in a straightforward and compassionate manner.

As Chair of our Special Needs Planning department and the Fiduciary Services department, Colleen can help you with a wide array of planning needs. She can partner with you on creating your comprehensive estate plan or laying out long-term care planning techniques that will protect your assets.

She can also show you how to use a Special Needs Trust to maintain and improve your quality of life, and to protect your money so you can afford the care you need for the long run. Colleen knows public benefits inside and out and can guide you through the eligibility process in a way that won’t jeopardize your eligibility for government benefits.

Before joining us, Colleen was with PLAN of CT where she worked with families and their attorneys to determine the appropriate trust type for the families’ given situation. She also worked with the Connecticut State Department of Education where she represented students in the care of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF). In this role, she advocated for children with special education needs - filing complaints, performing record reviews, and communicating with various agencies and providers.

In her spare time, Colleen enjoys the outdoors and often hikes and camps. She’s an avid reader and runner. In fact, she has completed multiple marathons, including the Boston Marathon!