Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get ahold of, communicate, and interact with Altruist™ and my personal trust officer and team?
At Altruist™, we believe in making every aspect of your experience simple and seamless. We’ll connect with you in whatever way you prefer—whether that’s over the phone, by email, or a combination of both. You have a dedicated trust officer and a whole team ready to respond to any questions or needs you may have.
And don’t worry about reaching us after hours! If something comes to mind at 3:00 a.m., you can always call (our main line at 206-315-9200) and reach the Altruist™ Call Center, which is available 24/7/365. We’ll either address your need as quickly as possible (in emergent situations) or ensure your trust officer receives your message right away so they can follow up the very next business day. Of course, you can also email us around the clock.
Our goal is to provide the personal attention and peace of mind you deserve, so you can feel cared for and confident.
Is dealing with Altruist™ cold and impersonal, or will you really know me? I’m worried you won’t know me.
At Altruist™, you are never an account number. We come from a genuine position of care, concern, and compassion, ensuring that we truly get to know you—along with everything you want us to understand about your life, values, and wishes. Your personal trust officer and dedicated team are here to provide unmatched corporate trust management services, all while focusing on what matters to you most.
Our customer-first outlook means we take time to learn about your unique circumstances and goals, so we can tailor our services specifically to you and your family. Whether it’s through regular communication, thoughtful guidance, or simply a warm conversation, we’re committed to delivering our support with genuine kindness, compassion, and generosity. By putting you first, we ensure you feel understood, cared for, and at ease every step of the way.
How do I get my money? Do you make it hard for me to access my funds?
At Altruist™, we understand how important it is for you to receive your funds quickly and without hassle. That’s why we process approximately 98% of all distribution requests the same day we receive them—especially if your request arrives before noon. In the rare instances where larger or more involved matters require additional due diligence, we’ll let you know right away and provide a realistic timeline, so you stay informed and confident throughout the process.
From a legal standpoint, we’re bound to follow the terms of your trust precisely as written by its grantor—think of it like a contract designed to protect and fulfill your wishes. Our trust officers have a fiduciary duty to uphold these rules while making sure your needs are met. By combining our deep knowledge of trust law with our commitment to exceptional, caring service, we can deliver your funds promptly and give you peace of mind that your money is handled in strict accordance with your trust. If you ever have questions or want to know more about your distributions, just reach out. We’re here to make it all as smooth, transparent, and worry-free as possible.
My attorney, CPA, or other professional told me you could pay for this or that this request would be approved. What if you tell me something different?
We understand it can be confusing when different advisors share different perspectives. Trust administration is highly nuanced, and it’s also heavily regulated by outside agencies. At Altruist™, our leadership and teams bring deep fiduciary knowledge and experience to every facet of trust administration, helping protect your trust, your personal circumstances, and sometimes even your other benefits.
In many cases, professional advisors such as attorneys or CPAs don’t work exclusively within the realm of trust administration. While they can certainly offer valuable insights, they might not have the detailed training, specialized experience, or full scope of regulatory knowledge that Altruist has. We don’t make the rules, but we’re here to help you navigate them as smoothly as possible.
If we ever provide guidance that differs from what you’ve heard elsewhere, it’s because we must ensure that any decisions strictly comply with your trust’s terms and relevant regulations. We promise to explain the reasons behind our recommendations, seek creative ways to address your needs, and collaborate with you (and your advisors) to find solutions that honor both your trust’s provisions and your unique situation. Our ultimate goal is to safeguard your trust, fulfill your wishes, and make sure you feel confident about the path forward.
What if I have an emergency? How do I contact you and know you will be there for me in a time of crisis?
At Altruist, we understand that emergencies can happen at any time—and when they do, you shouldn’t have to worry about reaching us. That’s why we have our the Altruist™ Call Center operating 24/7/365, always ready to assist you in any crisis.
Simply call our main office number, and you’ll be in touch with the Altruist™ Call Center. Once you let our dedicated team member know the nature of your emergency, they will immediately follow our internal, written processes to get you the help you need—whether it’s coordinating an urgent medical power of attorney decision or swiftly connecting you with your trust officer. Our goal is to ensure that you feel supported and protected, every hour of every day.
Can I keep you informed even after hours and on my schedule? What if my schedule doesn’t match typical business hours, or what if a thought comes to me in the middle of the night that I want to share with you?
We understand that life and inspiration don’t always operate on an 8:30-to-5 schedule. At Altruist™, we want to make it as convenient as possible for you to communicate with us whenever it works best for you—day, night, weekends, even holidays. Simply call our call center, available 24/7/365, and you’ll speak with a live team member who will gather the details and ensure that your trust officer receives your message. We also encourage you to send an email anytime a thought or question pops into your head, so you can rest easy knowing we’ll promptly address it once the business day starts—or sooner if the matter is urgent.
Whether you’re juggling a non-traditional schedule or you suddenly remember an important detail at 3:00 a.m., we’re here to make sure your ideas and needs are heard and handled with care. The Altruist™ Call Center is staffed by a team member around-the-clock, and our emails are monitored each business day, so you’ll always have a reliable way to stay connected with your trust officer and dedicated team. By ensuring you can reach out on your own terms, we help you feel supported and confident—no matter the hour.