Fiduciary Services

Professional Trustee | Successor Trustee | Agent Under Power of Attorney

Overview

When a family needs a neutral, professional fiduciary - someone to administer a trust, step in as successor trustee, or serve as agent under a durable power of attorney - a licensed CPA brings something many family members or close friends cannot: financial expertise, professional accountability, and no personal stake in the outcome.

I am actively building my fiduciary practice in Tallahassee and work closely with local estate planning attorneys, including through my membership in the Tallahassee Regional Estate Planning Council and the National Association of Estate Planning Councils. My board service on the Audit and Finance Committee of Elder Care Services keeps me closely connected to the needs of aging individuals and their families. If you're an attorney considering a referral, or a family member exploring your options, I welcome the conversation.

Services

Successor Trustee Services

When the original trustee is no longer able to serve, a successor trustee steps in to manage and administer the trust according to its terms. As a CPA, I bring disciplined financial management, accurate record-keeping, and professional impartiality to a role that is often thrust upon family members at the worst possible time.

• Trust administration and asset management

• Fiduciary accounting and record-keeping

• Distribution decisions consistent with the trust document

• Communication with beneficiaries

• Coordination with estate planning attorneys and financial advisors

Agent Under Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney gives an agent authority to manage financial affairs on behalf of the principal. When families want a neutral professional - rather than a family member who may have competing interests - a CPA agent offers objectivity, financial discipline, and a clear paper trail.

• Bill payment and financial management

• Banking and investment oversight

• Tax filing coordination

• Record-keeping and accountability reporting

Trustee Services

For newly established trusts or ongoing arrangements where an independent, professional trustee is preferred, I can serve as trustee - managing assets and fulfilling fiduciary duties with the financial acumen of a CPA and the accountability of a licensed professional.

Fiduciary (Trust & Estate) Tax Returns (Form 1041)

Whether or not I serve in a fiduciary capacity, I prepare trust and estate income tax returns (Form 1041) for trustees who need a CPA to handle the tax side of trust administration.

Why a CPA Fiduciary?

  • No conflict of interest - I have no inheritance stake and no personal relationship that complicates objectivity.

  • Financial expertise - I understand tax implications, asset accounting, and fiduciary record-keeping at a professional level.

  • Professional accountability - As a licensed CPA, I am held to ethical and professional standards that protect beneficiaries.

  • Connected to the estate planning community - Active member of the Tallahassee Regional Estate Planning Council and the National Association of Estate Planning Councils - I work alongside attorneys, not around them.

  • Elder care awareness - As a board member of Elder Care Services (Audit & Finance Committee), I understand the real-world challenges facing aging individuals and their families.

A Note on My Practice

I am building this area of my practice deliberately and carefully, working with local estate planning attorneys and taking on engagements where I can serve clients well. If you are an attorney considering a referral, I am happy to discuss the specifics and whether the situation is a good fit. If you are a family member researching your options, I welcome a no-pressure introductory conversation.

Let's Talk