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Making the right fiduciary choice is critical. Our free downloadable guide outlines essential factors to help you select a trusted, licensed professional.
Choosing the Right Fiduciary: 10 Key Factors to Consider
Choosing a fiduciary is one of the most important decisions you’ll make to protect your assets, your healthcare wishes, your loved ones — and your peace of mind.
Whether you're selecting a trustee, an agent under power of attorney, an executor, or a conservator, the fiduciary you choose will have legal authority to act on your behalf or on behalf of your estate.
That’s why it’s critical to select someone qualified, ethical, neutral, and trustworthy.
This guide will help you understand what to look for — and how to feel confident in your choice.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fiduciary
1. Professional Licensing and Credentials
Always verify that your fiduciary holds the appropriate licenses and certifications.
California, a Licensed Professional Fiduciary (CLPF) is licensed through the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau, ensuring compliance with state law and ethical standards.
- Ask: Are you licensed? What is your license number?
2. Experience with Similar Cases
Trust administration, conservatorships, probate estates, daily money management, and healthcare decision-making each have unique requirements.
Select a fiduciary with experience relevant to your specific needs.
- Ask: What types of fiduciary cases do you most often handle?
3. Neutrality and Conflict-Free Representation
Family members sometimes have emotional biases or financial interests that create conflicts.
A professional fiduciary should serve solely in the best interest of the client or beneficiaries — without bias.
- Ask: How do you avoid conflicts of interest?
4. Transparent Fees and Billing Practices
Professional fiduciaries must provide clear, written fee structures — and in many cases (e.g., probate, conservatorship), fees must be court-approved.
- Ask: How are your services billed, and what can I expect?
5. Court Compliance and Reporting
Choose a fiduciary who is familiar with court-required filings, accountings, and compliance deadlines — especially if your matter involves probate or conservatorship proceedings.
- Ask: What experience do you have with court reporting and accountings?
6. Data Security and Privacy Protection
Your fiduciary will access sensitive financial, medical, and legal information.
They must have strict HIPAA compliance and secure data management practices.
- Ask: How do you protect client privacy and financial information?
7. Cultural Competency and Inclusivity
If your family structure is non-traditional, if you're LGBTQ+, or if cultural sensitivity matters to you, be sure your fiduciary has a demonstrated commitment to inclusive, respectful service.
- Ask: What is your experience serving LGBTQ+ individuals, diverse families, or vulnerable adults?
8. Professional Collaboration
Your fiduciary should be comfortable working closely with attorneys, CPAs, investment advisors, and care managers to ensure a seamless client experience.
- Ask: How do you collaborate with legal and financial professionals?
9. Capacity to Manage Complex Matters
If you have real estate, business interests, contested family dynamics, or significant investments, choose a fiduciary with the bandwidth and expertise to handle complexity.
- Ask: Can you manage real property, business assets, or complex estates?
10. Compassion and
Communication Style
Skills and licenses are critical — but so is the ability to listen, explain, and advocate with care and transparency.
Your fiduciary should make you feel respected, heard, and secure.
- Ask: How often will I hear from you, and how do you keep clients and families informed?
Trust is Built, Not Assumed
Choosing a fiduciary isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about trusting someone with your life’s work, your healthcare decisions, and your family's future.
Take the time to choose a fiduciary who is:
About Pride Trust Services
At Pride Trust Services, we’re proud to meet—and consistently exceed—the standards set out in this guide.
Led by Tom LaVoie, CLPF #1487, we offer:
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Licensed, conflict-free fiduciary services delivered across California
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Specialized support for LGBTQ+ individuals, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, seniors, people with disabilities, and families of every background
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Transparent billing, ethical leadership, and compassionate advocacy that put each client’s dignity and best interests first