Williams Parker Hosts Fiduciary Forum

The law firm of Williams Parker recently hosted an educational seminar for clients and the community regarding the roles, responsibilities, and risks of serving as a fiduciary and evaluating the selection of a fiduciary for an estate plan. The event took place April 2 at Michael’s on the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota with over 70 people in attendance.

Speakers included Williams Parker President Ric Gregoria; Aubrey J. Lynch, director of fiduciary tax matters with Williams Parker; Susan S. Park, director of fiduciary administration with Williams Parker; Mark A. Schwartz, head of the firm’s Estate & Trust Litigation practice; and Jeffrey T. Troiano, leader of the firm’s Estate Planning, Business Succession, Estate & Trust Administration practice. Topics included the role and selection of a fiduciary for an estate plan; essential duties and responsibilities of a fiduciary, including necessary tasks when administering an estate or trust and deciding how to best invest assets of the estate or trust; tax and accounting matters such as tax obligations and reporting, federal and state tax compliance, and fiduciary accounting and reporting to beneficiaries; as well as issues and challenges that can arise in the context of appointing or serving as a fiduciary.

William’s Parker’s Fiduciary Services team supports clients serving as fiduciaries and firm attorneys serving in the role of fiduciary on behalf of clients. The firm works with fiduciaries, in coordination with their team of CPAs, financial advisors, and investment managers, to ensure the fiduciary understands and has the tools to fulfill the obligations of the role. Its services include legal, tax and accounting, and estate and trust administration.

The firm recently added Ms. Lynch, a CPA, formerly a principal with CS&L CPAs, to join Ms. Park in overseeing the firm’s fiduciary services and providing support to its estate and trust practice. Ms. Lynch oversees tax and accounting matters as they relate to the firm’s fiduciary services, facilitating fulfillment of trustee’s duties and responsibilities in coordination with legal counsel. She holds an M.Acc and B.S.Acc. from the University of Florida. Ms. Park oversees the probate administration process. She previously worked with U.S. Trust, where she managed estate settlement for the South Florida region, and with Northern Trust and Bank of America N.A. She holds an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Alabama, a J.D. from the Florida State University College of Law, and a B.S. from the United States Naval Academy. Additionally, she is a certified financial planner (CFP®), which affords her additional insight to assist with fiduciary administration.

To receive updates regarding the latest news and events from Williams Parker, sign up to join the firm’s mailing list at williamsparker.com/join.