Frequently Asked Questions
A Professional Fiduciary is a licensed, neutral party authorized to manage financial, healthcare, estate, or personal affairs on behalf of individuals, families, trusts, or estates.
In California, fiduciaries must be licensed by the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau and are held to strict ethical and legal standards.
Yes. Tom LaVoie holds California Professional Fiduciary License #1487. Lis G. Ortiz Holds California Professional Fiduciary License #1376.
Pride Trust Services maintains all required bonding and insurance coverage, and court appointments are fully bondable as needed.
We offer virtual and in-person fiduciary services throughout the entire state of California, with flexible communication options including Zoom, phone, and secure email.
Services Overview
We provide:
Yes.
We regularly collaborate with family members, attorneys, accountants, investment advisors, and courts — always maintaining clear boundaries, confidentiality, and client-centered focus.
Yes.
We serve as neutral fiduciaries in high-conflict estates, trusts, and conservatorship cases when neutrality and professionalism are critical to protecting client assets and dignity.
Trusts and Estate Administration
We secure trust assets, notify beneficiaries, manage trust obligations, pay valid debts, prepare accountings, and distribute assets in accordance with the trust terms and California law.
Our process is thorough, court-compliant (if necessary), and focused on clarity and fairness.
As a neutral fiduciary, we communicate transparently and fairly.
When needed, we coordinate with legal counsel, mediators, and courts to ensure trust compliance and protect the interests of all beneficiaries.
Trust and estate administration services are typically billed hourly based on complexity.
In probate or conservatorship cases, fees are reviewed and approved by the court before they are paid.
Conservatorships and Powers of Attorney
We prioritize the least restrictive alternatives whenever possible, advocate for the conservatee’s wishes and dignity, and report regularly to the court to ensure ongoing oversight.
Yes.
We accept specific or limited authority assignments, tailored to your unique needs — whether managing only real estate, financial accounts, healthcare decisions, or a combination.
Daily Money Management
Daily Money Management includes organizing bills, paying expenses, budgeting, and monitoring financial activity.
It is ideal for seniors, busy professionals, individuals with disabilities, or anyone needing help maintaining their financial stability.
Typically, we provide monthly or quarterly statements — but we can tailor reporting frequency based on the client’s needs or court requirements.
No.
Our role is to support and protect, not to replace your authority unless specifically authorized through Power of Attorney, Conservatorship, or Trustee appointment.
Working With Pride Trust Services
Simply contact us for a confidential consultation.
We’ll review your situation, outline service options, explain fees, and answer any questions you may have — with no pressure and no obligation.
[ Schedule Your Consultation → ]
Depending on your needs, bring:
If you don't have all documents ready — no problem.
We will guide you through gathering what’s needed.
Both!
We offer full fiduciary services or limited-scope consultation and special project support — depending on your goals and situation.
Fees and Billing
Our hourly rates vary based on the county where services are provided, the complexity of the case, and the level of fiduciary responsibility.
Typical ranges:
Yes.
A Minimum Monthly Fee of $500 applies to all active matters (trusts, conservatorships, probate estates, daily money management).
This minimum covers:
Even during quieter periods, fiduciary liability and duties remain active, requiring continuous professional management.
Our initial consultation (up to 2 hours) is a $500 value — but we waive the cost as a courtesy.
This allows us to better understand your needs and recommend appropriate next steps without upfront financial pressure.
Not necessarily.
For long-term trust administration (after the first year), we may convert billing to an annual percentage fee not to exceed 2% of the trust’s fair market value, if appropriate.
This simplifies long-term financial management and compliance obligations for ongoing trusts.
Extraordinary fees may be charged when the case requires services beyond routine fiduciary work, such as:
Extraordinary services are billed at higher hourly rates or project-specific fees and will be disclosed and explained in advance.
Clients typically receive monthly or quarterly invoices, depending on the engagement.
Invoices include:
For complex, contested, or emergency matters, a retainer may be required.
Retainers are reconciled monthly and any unused balance is refundable.
Conservatorships, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney
If a client regains capacity and the court agrees, we support transitioning control back to the individual and terminating the conservatorship through court procedures.
Yes.
We have experience administering Animal Trusts (for domestic and exotic pets) and Special Needs Trusts that protect public benefit eligibility.
Working with Pride Trust Services
During your complimentary consultation, we will:
All client information is handled confidentially using encrypted, HIPAA-compliant systems and secure case management practices.
You can:
Call us at (800) 749-8466
Email info@pridetrustservices.com
Schedule online via our booking form
Trust. Care. Advocacy.
At Pride Trust Services, your peace of mind is our top priority.
We are committed to transparency, dignity, ethical fiduciary care — and to making every client feel understood, protected, and empowered.
Final Notes
At Pride Trust Services, we know that choosing a fiduciary is a matter of trust, care, and protecting your future.
We’re here to answer every question — and guide you with compassion, clarity, and professionalism.
Still Have Questions
We’re ready to help.