Wendy Smith
I have been a Professional Fiduciary since January, 2018. I am certified by the Center for Guardianship Certification as a National Certified Guardian and am a member of the Professional Fiduciary Association of California. I have been working in the areas of estate planning, trust administration, probate and conservatorships for over 35 years as a paralegal.
My goal is not merely that of a financial manager, decision-maker or guardian. It is also to make sure that the people who place their trust in me for their financial and personal care have my unwavering commitment to fulfill their wishes when they can no longer control those aspects of their life. I seek to support the mental and emotional well-being of my clients, reduce their stress in changing circumstances and help each client and their families enjoy a fulfilling life. I thoroughly enjoy interacting with my clients. They are all unique and give me such diverse experiences. I hope that I can make the transitions in their life easier for them and allow them to know that their wishes will be fulfilled when they are gone.
To assist me with my goals, I work with highly skilled and licensed professionals to optimize client’s financial assets, protect their health and safety and to make sure their end of life decisions are respected and properly fulfilled.
I am qualified to provide the following services for my clients:
- Trustee
- Conservator of the Person and/or Estate
- Estate Executor/Administrator
- Daily Bill Paying and Money Management
- Healthcare Representation
- Agent under a Power of Attorney
- Administer ongoing trusts such as Special Needs Trusts and Minors Trusts.
Professional Fiduciary Fee Range Schedule
Agent under Power of Attorney/Agent Healthcare Directive
Professional Fiduciary hourly rate range $90.00 - $150.00 per hour.
Guardianship/Conservatorship of the Person (fees subject to court approval)
Professional Fiduciary hourly rate range $90.00 - $150.00 per hour.
Guardianship/Conservatorship of the Estate (fees subject to court approval)
Professional Fiduciary hourly rate range $90.00 - $150.00 per hour.
Probate Administration Fees
Fees payable to the Professional Fiduciary as the Persona Representative for customary services are authorized under Probate Code §10800 and, pursuant Probate Code §10800 are computed on a fee base comprised of gross assets, plus receipts and gains, less losses, as follow:
- 4% of first $100,000
- 3% of next $100,000
- 2% of next $800,000
- 1% of next $9,000,000
- 0.5% of next $15,000,000
- Court discretion after $25,000,000
In addition to statutory fees, pursuant Probate Code §10800, extraordinary fees can be requested for services such as, but not limited to, tax issues, real property sales and litigation.
Though fees or extraordinary services are subject to court approval. Extraordinary services are charge at the following hourly rates:
Professional Fiduciary hourly rate range: $90.00 - $150.00
Trustee Fees
Professional Fiduciary fee range for usual and customary duties/services as Trustee are computed as follows:
1% - 1.5% per annum of usual and customary services subject to the size of the Trust, type and complexity of assets and services provided, with a minimum fee of $5,000
Additional professional fiduciary fees may be charged at hourly rates ranging from $90.00 - $150.00 per hour for unusual/extraordinary services such as, but not limited to, complex tax issues, complex real property sales and litigation.