General Overview of Services

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As a Professional Fiduciary, acting in a Trustee position, it is not uncommon we are named from the onset as part of ones estate planning when documents are initially created or being revised and updated.   As neutral third-parties, we are often Court appointed due to a difficult situation, including with a current Trustee. 

In our role, we have a duty to oversee the Trust instrument prudently.  In particular, to facilitate the directions as outlined in the Trust, ensure timelines are met, and protocols adhered too.   Commonly, we step in when situations have become complex, or contentious. In these situations, our goal is to neutralize a difficult situation and properly execute matters.  Our goal is to move things along in a timely manner for the benefit of all and in particular the client. 

     We can act as:

• Trustee in Disputed Matters
• Successor Trustee
• Named Trustee upon document execution
• Trustee for Special Needs Trusts (SNT)

Relying on a professional to complete and handle the tasks necessary as an executor or estate administrator* to finalize an estate is optimal.  There are many  timelines that will need to be met.  To avoid missteps or delays it is best to utilize and rely on one who has the knowledge and experience to properly administer a will or estate. California has specific guidelines that must be met.  

*Estate Administration happens when there is no will.

A conservatorship comes about after a legal proceeding before a Court wherein a determination has been made that an adult lacks the capacity to handle their own affairs.   The Court will appointment a representative, known as the Conservator, to act on behalf of this disabled adult called the Conservatee.  Professional Fiduciaries are often appointed.  

Depending on the needs of the Conservatee, the Court can appoint a Conservator in one or both of the following capacities, with the same person or different representatives being appointed for each:

• Conservator of the Estate (COE), has the responsibility to prudently manage the financial affairs, including, inventorying, marshaling, and managing the Conservatives assets.  
• Conservator of the Person (COP), cares and protects the person, making sure they have proper food, clothing, shelter, health care, and depending on the mental capacity of the  Conservatee, may even make important end of life decisions.

• Successor Conservator, for various reasons, it may be necessary a replacement or successor conservator to step-in.  RKO Fiduciary Services has experience in stepping in for such matters.

In conjunction with other responsibilities, we can act as either the Representative Payee for Social Security or the Veterans Administration (VA).

RKO Fiduciary Services works with clients on a sliding scale based on matters.   Our fees are reasonable and inline with industry standards.  Prior to services being rendered, fees are clarified in advance and in writing.  Any matters which are before the court are subject to determination by the probate code.   As a Representative Payee, fees are set by the governing agency.