FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
Estates & Guardianships
When someone passes away or becomes unable to make decisions, having a professional corporate fiduciary take over can simplify the complex legal process. Whether you are a personal representative navigating estate settlement or a family coordinating court-appointed protections—our unified department handles the administrative heavy lifting to ensure your family assets are continuously safe and insulated.
Handling Life’s Changes
Personal Representatives & Heirs
When a loved one passes away, acting as an individual executor introduces emotional strain and complex legal exposure. We step in to guide families through structured asset distribution and clear probate workflows.
Estates & Trust Execution
We act as your professional money manager, strictly executing the specialized rules you establish within your will or trust agreement. Our team ensures your final legacy transitions seamlessly to your family members.
Court-Appointed Financial Care
We provide objective, protective oversight for children or adults who are deemed unable to manage their own finances. Our institutional permanence guarantees they are taken care of without gaps in administration.
Estate Settlement & Legal Execution
We handle the administrative heavy lifting required by probate courts. This includes directly filing wills with probate courts, identifying and securing property, liquidating outstanding debts, and accurately distributing remaining assets to designated heirs.
Testamentary Will Trusts
Set up directly through your Will, we serve as your professional manager to oversee money and investments for your heirs after you are gone. This removes the complicated financial guesswork from your descendants’ plates.
Court-Appointed Guardianships
Our officers are legally appointed by the court system to manage and safeguard financial accounts for vulnerable individuals. We make sure their money is strictly protected and that all ongoing living needs are carefully funded.
Compliance & Detailed Paperwork
We keep meticulous, careful records of every account transaction to ensure full alignment with state and federal fiduciary standards. This detailed asset tracking makes your annual tax preparation simple and efficient.
Fiduciary Reference Context & Standards
- All department activities comply fully with the Uniform Trust Code (UTC) and Uniform Prudent Investor Act (UPIA).
- Every account undergoes rigorous administrative oversight matching OCC Regulation 9 Fiduciary Review guidelines.
- Trust holdings are securely stored and completely separated from the bank’s own balance sheet.
- Direct administrative management for advanced planning entities, Living Trusts, and Irrevocable permanent structures.
- Discretionary account disbursements are guided safely by the legal HEMS Standard (Health, Education, Maintenance, and Support).
- Seamless coordination of detailed year-end tax data (including K-1s and 1099s) directly to your CPA and attorney.
Comprehensive Asset Management
Probate Management
Filing, validating, and managing complex legal estate settlements alongside personal representatives.
Account Objectivity
Continuous account monitoring and risk diversification options tailored entirely to your client-defined objectives.
Regulatory Logistics
Handling all mandatory IRS tax reports, legal document filings, and required allocations correctly and on time.
“Farmers & Merchants Bank has always been rooted in Arkansas, and this role is an extension of our commitment to helping landowners and ag-focused companies manage their assets with confidence. Whether it’s an investment group, a trust or an individual landowner, we offer the expertise and oversight needed to enhance productivity, ensure compliance and protect long-term value.”
— Kelly Davis, Chief Trust Officer
Meet Your Senior Trust Officer
Renà Escue | SVP, Senior Trust Officer
A 31-year veteran of wealth management and trust services, Renà has deep expertise in the operational management of complex trusts, personal estates, investment agency accounts, and IRAs. A Jonesboro native operating directly from our office at 400 E. Highland Drive, she has dedicated her 38-year banking career to providing clients with professional compliance and personalized care. She has earned numerous specialized certifications for trust administration, operations, and benefits analysis, ensuring every family legacy is overseen with absolute integrity and precision.
“I am proud to contribute to Farmers and Merchants Bank’s strong legacy of customer-focused banking. I look forward to leveraging my experience to help our clients achieve their financial goals and secure their futures.“
Contact: 400 E. Highland Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401 | 870.910.7920 | [email protected]
Important Disclosures: Investment and specialized asset products are: Not a Deposit | Not FDIC Insured | May Lose Value | Not Bank Guaranteed | Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency. The information on this webpage is for educational purposes and does not constitute formal legal, tax, or accounting advice. Please consult with your personal legal and tax advisors regarding your specific asset situation.