Frequently asked questions

Professional Fiduciaries in California are licensed and regulated by the state and must follow a strict code of ethics.

To be licensed, a fiduciary must complete state-approved coursework, pass a comprehensive examination, pass a background check, remain bondable and complete ongoing continuing education. These requirements help ensure fiduciaries uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and professional competence.

By law, a fiduciary is entrusted with the highest level of confidence to manage and safeguard a client's personal affairs, property and assets. This requires exceptional judgment, transparency and adherence to the California Probate Code. Responsibilities can include:

• Administering trusts and estates impartially, ethically and cost-effectively
• Advocating for the financial and physical safety of vulnerable individuals
• Making informed decisions about clients' finances and medical care
• Managing investments with trusted financial advisors
• Budget analysis and long-term financial planning
• Supervising property sales and managing real estate
• Operating a trust business when applicable
• Ensuring timely and accurate tax filings
• Paying bills and managing ongoing obligations
• Securing loans when needed
• Preparing fiduciary accountings
• Coordinating personal services for seniors, people with disabilities, minors and others
• Remaining neutral in disputed trust and estate matters so all beneficiaries receive their rightful share

Professional fiduciaries can be appointed in a variety of capacities, including:

• Trustee
• Agent under a Durable Power of Attorney
• Administrator or Executor of a Will
• Guardian of the Person
• Conservator of the Estate
• Other court-appointed or privately designated roles

Today's professional fiduciaries are highly trained individuals who support clients, families, attorneys and the courts. They bring structure, clarity and protection to complex personal and financial situations, applying their knowledge of the California Probate Code and best practices to meet the needs of the people they serve.

Start by completing our online intake questionnaire. It takes about 10 minutes. After you submit it, you can choose a time for your intake appointment from Rita's calendar. Rita reviews your answers before you meet, so your time together can focus on your situation and options.

Prefer to talk first? Call (408) 498-9822.

If you have them, it helps to have copies of any trust, will, power of attorney, advance health care directive and any court orders or letters. A general list of assets, accounts and monthly expenses is also helpful. Don't worry if you don't have everything; we can help you figure out what's needed.

Your answers are sent only to Kiriaki Fiduciary Services and are used to prepare for your intake appointment. Please do not include Social Security numbers, account numbers or other identification numbers in the questionnaire. Submitting the questionnaire does not create a client or fiduciary relationship. See our privacy policy.

Fees are billed at the hourly rates in our fee schedule. Conservatorship fees and extraordinary probate fees require court approval. Trustee fees may generally be paid from trust assets unless a court order requires prior approval.