What is the American Indian Probate Reform Act of 2004 (AIPRA)? This Act creates a new Federal probate law that changes the way trust estates are distributed to heirs after a beneficiary's death. This increases the importance and benefits of estate planning so the beneficiary can determine who inherits his/her assets. The Act was signed into law on October 27, 2004; most provisions went into effect on June 20, 2006.

What is the purpose of AIPRA? One of the main purposes of AIPRA is to preserve the trust status of Indian lands and to reduce the number of small fractionated interests. It offers an opportunity for individuals to determine how and when they want to distribute their trust assets. Through estate planning, individuals may wish to create a will or sell, transfer or otherwise consolidate their interests in trust or restricted land. If an individual does not have a will or estate plan, his/her assets will be distributed after death according to Federal or tribal laws. Where can beneficiaries get additional information?

Beneficiaries can call the Trust Beneficiary Call Center at (888) 678-6836 or contact a Fiduciary Trust Officer at the following locations: Palm Springs Agency, Palm Springs, CA: (760) 416-4167 x 257 Pacific Region, Sacramento, CA: (916) 978-6047 For more information, please go to:

http://www.doi.gov/issues/indianprobatereform.html

http://www.interior.gov/issues/final_approved_final_aipra.pdf