Understanding Fiduciaries

WHEN A PROFESSIONAL FIDUCIARY CAN HELP

A professional fiduciary is a licensed professional who manages financial and administrative matters on behalf of another person. In California, professional fiduciaries are regulated by the state and must meet licensing, education, and record-keeping requirements.

People often engage a fiduciary when family members are unavailable, when responsibilities have become too complex or time-consuming, or when an independent third party can help reduce conflict and ensure matters are handled properly.

Fiduciary services can range from paying bills and managing finances to administering trusts and estates that include real estate, investments, and other assets. The work often involves coordinating with attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, beneficiaries, and family members while ensuring important responsibilities are completed accurately and on time.

Crestline Fiduciary Services focuses on trust and estate administration, durable powers of attorney, and bill payment services. We bring particular experience to trusts and estates that include significant real estate holdings, investment properties, or complex property-related decisions.

Trust and Estate Administration

Trust and estate administration involves managing financial and administrative matters after a death or when a trustee is unable to serve. Responsibilities may include identifying and safeguarding assets, coordinating appraisals, managing real estate, paying expenses and taxes, maintaining records, communicating with beneficiaries, and carrying out the terms of the trust or estate plan.

When trusts or estates involve multiple assets, real estate holdings, or complex family situations, administration can become demanding. A professional fiduciary provides independent oversight and helps ensure the process moves forward efficiently.

Durable Powers of Attorney

Trust and estate administration involves managing financial and administrative matters after a death or when a trustee is unable to serve. Responsibilities may include identifying and safeguarding assets, coordinating appraisals, managing real estate, paying expenses and taxes, maintaining records, communicating with beneficiaries, and carrying out the terms of the trust or estate plan.

When trusts or estates involve multiple assets, real estate holdings, or complex family situations, administration can become demanding. A professional fiduciary provides independent oversight and helps ensure the process moves forward efficiently.

Bill Payment and Financial Organization

Bill payment services help clients stay organized and maintain accurate, current financial records. Services may include reviewing financial mail, tracking expenses, paying bills, organizing records, monitoring accounts for unusual activity, and coordinating information for accountants or family members when appropriate.

These services can be particularly helpful for older adults, busy professionals, individuals who travel frequently, or families seeking an additional layer of oversight and organization.