Frequently Asked Questions

What even is a Fiduciary, in plain words?

A fiduciary is a licensed professional who can act on your behalf and is legally obligated to act in your best interests. In practice, that means we manage financial, legal, health and administrative matters with complete loyalty, transparency, and care. We are not wealth managers, investment advisors or tax advisors - but we coordinate with all of those expert professionals on your behalf.

Fiduciaries can serve as trustees, powers of attorney, estate administrators, or daily money managers - always ensuring your assets and decisions are handled exactly as intended, with no conflicts of interest.

What services do you provide?

We provide comprehensive fiduciary support, including:

• Trustee services – administering family, living, and special needs trusts.

• Powers of Attorney – managing finances and legal matters if you’re ill, away, or simply prefer not to handle them.

• Private Client Planning – concierge-style coordination for complex or international financial needs.

• Financial management – bill payment, budgeting, and day-to-day financial oversight.

• Health Powers of Attorney – managing finances and legal matters if you’re ill, away, or simply prefer not to handle them.

Every service is delivered with professionalism, independence, and the kind of care you’d expect from family.

What does a Power of Attorney give you authority to do?

A Power of Attorney can be financial (managing money, property, and legal affairs) or health-related (making medical and care decisions if you are unable to).

Some people appoint one Power of Attorney for both roles, while others appoint different agents under each Power of Attorney.

Who do you work with?

Our clients include local families who need trusted help with everyday financial matters, high-net-worth households managing complex estates, and global families coordinating across borders.

We focus on two key areas:

• Crisis support. When a loved one passes away or serious illness strikes, there are countless decisions and tasks that need immediate attention. In those moments, families need someone who can step in quickly, handle the details with precision, and put their needs first.

• Private trustee services. Acting as an independent trustee removes the burden from family members, reduces conflict, and ensures decisions are carried out smoothly. In this role, we operate much like a small family office - providing structure, neutrality, and ongoing professional management.

Does a Power of Attorney mean you do everything for me?

Our services are tailored to your unique circumstances, and are always based upon an assessment of your current and future needs.

A Power of Attorney can be limited in scope to certain activities or areas of responsibility - for example, only over property, or only over your day to day bank account for bill payments.

It can also be structured to operate only at certain times or for a specified duration. A permanent (or durable) power of attorney takes effect as soon as it is signed and remains valid if you become incapacitated, while a springing power of attorney only becomes effective if a specific event occurs—most often a physician certifying that you can no longer manage your own affairs.

Do you handle guardianships and conservatorships?

Yes, we can serve in those roles when necessary. But in most cases, our clients are able to plan ahead with tools like trusts and powers of attorney. The right planning helps avoid court-appointed conservatorships or guardianships, which are often public, time-consuming, and costly.

By putting structures in place early, we help families preserve privacy, act quickly, and stay in control - ensuring decisions are carried out smoothly and by someone who truly knows you, without court intervention.

Who would need a Power of Attorney, and why?

Power of Attorney (POA) allows someone you trust to step in and act on your behalf if you can’t. There are two main types:

• Financial POA: Handles money and legal matters such as paying your mortgage, keeping utilities on, managing investments, filing taxes, authorizing insurance, or even making sure your pets are cared for.

• Health (or medical) POA: Makes medical and care decisions if you’re unable to—working with doctors, approving treatments, and ensuring your wishes are followed.
  
  

Without a POA, if you become incapacitated, your family or loved ones may need to go to court to get authority to act for you—a process that can be stressful, slow, and expensive.

Most of our POA clients are people whose family members live out of town, singles who want peace of mind that someone close at hand can step in, or couples who want a neutral professional to handle decisions smoothly. A fiduciary ensures that if life takes an unexpected turn, the right bills are paid, the right care is given, and nothing important falls through the cracks.

Why wouldn't I just have my spouse, children or best friend be my Power of Attorney?

For some families, naming a spouse, sibling, child, or close friend as Power of Attorney works well. But it can also create strain. A loved one may not live nearby, or may already be overwhelmed, and may not have the time or expertise to keep everything running smoothly. In some cases, giving one family member authority can even create tension or conflict with others.

A professional fiduciary offers neutrality, experience, and availability. We follow legal and ethical standards, maintain complete records, and coordinate with your attorneys, CPAs, and doctors. That means decisions are carried out exactly as you intend - without burdening family or risking confusion. Your loved ones stay focused on being there for you, while we handle the details.

How do you coordinate with my existing advisors?

We work alongside your attorneys, CPAs and investment managers to ensure your plans are executed smoothly. Acting as your central point of coordination, we make sure deadlines are met, ensure that advice is implemented, and keep your finances organized and aligned.

We make sure the right questions are asked - and answered - tying it all together for you instead of you having to deal with each area piecemeal.

What technology do you use to manage client information?

We use professional legal case management software coupled with accounting software, designed for accuracy, security and transparency. This eliminates the risk of manual errors, streamlines financial reporting and provides clear documentation at every step.

All client records are stored securely in the cloud, protecting your information from risks like hardware failure, loss, or theft. Every piece of paper mail we receive is scanned directly into the system, digitized for efficiency, and then securely destroyed.

Original documents are safeguarded in a safe deposit box or a locked, access-controlled file cabinet.

Your privacy and peace of mind are paramount. Our role as a trusted advisor depends on absolute discretion, and trust is our first principle. All client records are stored securely, and information is shared only with authorized parties on a strict need-to-know basis. We follow rigorous professional and regulatory standards to protect confidentiality and safeguard your data at every step.

How do you ensure confidentiality?

How do you charge for your services?

Our fees vary depending on the level of responsibility and scope of work:

• Hourly rates for bill pay, financial management and regular Power of Attorney duties.

• A percentage fee for ongoing trust administration.

• Flat or retainer fees for regular ongoing support

We'll review options with you upfront so you have clarity.