Education

Does your fiduciary have the expertise to manage, or supervise managers, of your financial assets, real estate, family business or other unique investments?

Does your fiduciary have the time to take on the work?

If your intended fiduciary is a family member, have you discussed the matter with them and do they fully understand the role and requirements required?

Ask how long your fiduciary has been practicing and if he/she has handled the types of issues that may arise in your case.

Is he/she bondable and insured? How does he/she handle banking and mail?

If he/she has employees, have those employees been background-checked and is the fiduciary insured for employee liability/theft?​

Is he/she knowledgeable about local service providers, and can he/she work well with your established providers?

What security measures does he/she have in place to assure that your information is protected?

Are their computers backed up daily in another location?

If there is a natural disaster, what is his or her plan for resuming business as quickly as possible?

Does he/she have a succession plan – someone to act as your trustee in case he/she dies before you do?

What plans has your fiduciary made if they take a vacation or become ill?

Ask for references. You want someone who has provided services to many other families and individuals. 

​What are the fees involved in administration?