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Trust Officer Dorothy Hardie provides assistance |
Public Trustee
Administering property and estates on behalf of Albertans
By Rick Bowes
What happens when the unexpected occurs?
Few Albertans are aware of the services provided by the Office of the Public Trustee until faced with circumstances that bring them in touch with staff.
As part of the Legal Services Division of Alberta Justice, the Public Trustee's Office administers over $400 million in assets for more than 17,000 clients.
"Our job is very challenging, involving difficult decisions on complex issues," said Jack Klinck, Public Trustee. "Staff find their work to be very rewarding, knowing that they are helping Albertans at a time in their lives where they are in need of assistance inmanaging their financial affairs and have no other family members who can help them."
Most Albertans receiving assistance are in one of three categories - a minor, a vulnerable adult, or dealing with a deceased person's estate.
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Public Trustee Klinck |
A common situation where the Public Trustee's Office becomes involved is when a minor, a person under 18, becomes entitled to property or money of substantial value, but there is no trustee in place. For example, a minor may receive a substantial sum of money from the estate of a deceased person who did not appoint a trustee, or a minor may receive a substantial monetary settlement of a claim for personal injuries.
In both these instances, the Public Trustee will work in the best interest of the young person to administer the property or money until the minor turns 18. At that time, unless other conditions apply, the Public Trustee will turn over the assets, together with accumulated interest, to the young adult.
Similarly, circumstances arise where it becomes necessary for someone to look after the property of an adult who is unable to make reasonable judgments regarding their property. Typically, a family member, trust company or other private-sector entity fulfils this role, but when there is no one else willing and able to perform this protective function, the Public Trustee will step in.
A third area of service that staff often provide is that of the administration of a deceased person's estate. As is the case with a vulnerable adult, most estates are administered by a family member, friend, trust company or other private-sector entity. Although, in circumstances where there is no one willing and able to administer the estate, the Public Trustee will do so to make sure that the estate is distributed to those who are lawfully entitled to it.
To find out more about more the Office of the Public Trustee, check out http://www.justice.gov.ab.ca/public_trustee/default.aspx.
