FAQs

A Fiduciary is someone who accepts the responsibility of handling the personal and/or financial affairs of a client solely for the benefit of that client.

Learn MoreContact Us

We Are Here to Help

We’ve answered some of the most common questions to make your experience simple and stress-free.

Toggle to see all

What is a private fiduciary?

FAQ

A private fiduciary is a licensed professional who helps manage financial, legal, or healthcare matters for someone who can’t do so themselves or has passed away. This can include paying bills, handling a trust or estate, making decisions under a power of attorney, or overseeing someone’s care and assets.

What services do you provide?

FAQ

We serve in roles such as Trustee, Personal Representative, Agent under a Power of Attorney (Financial or Medical), Court appointed Guardian or Conservator. This means we help manage trusts, settle estates, handle medical and financial decisions, and coordinate care or housing needs when necessary

Will I be assigned to a specific person?

FAQ

You’ll have a team assigned to your case. Depending on your needs, this might include: a licensed fiduciary or case lead, a fiduciary assistant, a paralegal, an estate administrator, a care advocate, or a property manager.

Can you help if my family is in conflict?

FAQ

Yes. We’re a neutral, professional third party—so we can take the pressure off family members and make sure decisions are made fairly and in the person’s best interest.

Can you serve as Co-Trustee?

FAQ

No. Certified Fiduciary Services does not serve as co-trustee. To ensure consistency and efficiency, we serve as sole Trustee once active. This allows us to manage the trust and make decisions in accordance with your documents without conflict or delays.

What if something unexpected happens to me?

FAQ

All clients who name us in their documents get access to our 24/7 emergency line. You’ll receive a wallet-sized emergency card with our contact info. If you’re in the hospital or something urgent comes up, emergency personnel can contact us immediately to step in and help.

How is a private fiduciary different from a family member or attorney?

FAQ

A private fiduciary is a licensed professional who helps manage financial, legal, or healthcare matters for someone who can’t do so themselves or has passed away. This can include paying bills, handling a trust or estate, making decisions under a Power of Attorney, or overseeing someone’s care and assets.

Are you licensed or regulated?

FAQ

Yes. We are licensed fiduciaries, which means we’ve been approved and regulated by the Arizona Supreme Court. We follow ongoing education and ethical standards, and we’re held accountable for all actions we take on behalf of a client.

What is the process for getting started?

FAQ

We can be appointed through the court or named in legal documents like a Trust, Will, or Power of Attorney. If we aren’t already named, you will need to work with an attorney to update your documents.

How do you get involved in a case?

FAQ

It starts with a consultation. We’ll discuss your situation, explain how we can help, and go over the steps to make it official.

Do you work with other professionals?

FAQ

Yes. We often work with attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, and care providers to make sure everything is coordinated and in the best interest of the clients.

What kind of decisions do you make?

FAQ

It depends on the role we are serving in. We may help with paying bills, managing investments, overseeing healthcare, or distributing assets after someone passes away. We always follow legal documents and act in the client’s best interest.

Can you take over if the current Trustee or Conservator isn’t doing a good job?

FAQ

Yes. We’re often brought in when another Trustee or Conservator isn’t meeting their responsibilities or is not a good fit. In those cases, a court or an attorney can help make that change.

What happens in an emergency – like if I am in the hospital or something unexpected happens?

FAQ

We have a 24/7 emergency line for clients. You will receive an emergency card to keep in your wallet, give to trusted family members, friends or neighbors. You may also list us as an emergency contact where appropriate. If we are named as your Power of Attorney in your documents, we can step in immediately to make decisions based on your wishes, or provide support when it matters most.

Related posts

Arizona’s Small Estate Limits Just Increased

Reading Time: 4:48 min

Arizona has significantly expanded its small estate thresholds, opening the door for more families and fiduciaries to avoid full probate. With higher dollar limits for both personal and real property,…

View post

2025–2026 Arizona Probate Procedure Updates

Reading Time: 3:37 min

Arizona probate procedures are evolving, with key rule changes in 2025 and 2026 that affect how estates move through the courts and how probate forms are updated. From clearer integration…

View post
Emma Berk – Fiduciary Assistant

CFS most commonly requested services

Contact CFS Support

CFS Employment Application

Contact us