Professional Fiduciary Services
A trusted person to carry out the plan
The person chosen to act may matter as much as the documents themselves. An executor, trustee, agent, or guardian must make decisions, keep records, communicate with interested people, and follow legal duties that may continue for months or years.
Some clients do not have a relative or friend who is willing and suitable to serve. Others want to avoid placing a complex or conflict-prone responsibility on family. Erik is available to serve in appropriate Pennsylvania matters as executor, administrator, trustee, agent under a power of attorney, or guardian.
When an independent fiduciary may be the better choice
No family member is available, willing, or equipped to serve.
Naming one relative is likely to intensify conflict.
The estate or trust includes businesses, real estate, tax issues, or long-term administration.
A vulnerable beneficiary needs continuity and dependable oversight.
The client wants independent decisions, organized records, and professional accountability.
The role would place an unreasonable personal or administrative burden on family.
Professional executor or administrator
A personal representative must open the estate, secure and value property, address claims and taxes, maintain records, communicate with beneficiaries, account for the administration, and complete distributions.
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A neutral professional can be particularly useful when the estate is complex, no family member is suitable, or beneficiaries have competing interests.
Professional trustee
A trustee may manage assets and exercise judgment for many years. Professional service can provide continuity, consistent recordkeeping, tax coordination, disciplined distributions, and an independent response to competing beneficiary needs.
Erik may serve as an original, successor, or replacement trustee when the trust, assets, beneficiaries, and expected responsibilities fit the practice.
Agent under a power of attorney
A client may name Erik as agent, sometimes called an attorney-in-fact, to manage financial and legal matters during incapacity when no suitable personal agent is available or independent management is preferred.
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The document should grant the authority actually needed and define any special planning, communication, or reporting expectations. The agent's authority ends at death and is distinct from the executor's later responsibilities.
Professional guardian
Erik is a National Certified Guardian and may accept appropriate appointments as guardian of the person, guardian of the estate, or both. A court order defines the authority, reporting requirements, and limits of the role.
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Professional guardianship may be considered when no suitable family member is available, family conflict makes neutrality important, or the person and estate require experienced oversight.
What clients and families can expect
Independent judgment guided by the governing document, court order, and applicable law.
Organized records, accountings, and documented decisions.
Appropriate communication with beneficiaries, family members, advisers, and the court.
Coordination with accountants, financial advisers, providers, property professionals, & other counsel.
Continuity when a role may last for years or require a dependable successor.
A clearly defined compensation and reporting structure.
Experience relevant to fiduciary work
Certified Elder Law Attorney through the National Elder Law Foundation.
LL.M. in Taxation and substantial experience with estate, trust, inheritance-tax, and fiduciary income-tax issues.
National Certified Guardian through the Center for Guardianship Certification.
More than fifteen years of work involving estates, trusts, incapacity, guardianships, and fiduciary disputes.
How an appointment is evaluated
Acceptance is not automatic. Erik reviews the governing document or court order, assets, parties, potential conflicts, records, expected duration, geographic demands, risk, and compensation before accepting a role.
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When Erik also provides legal services, the fiduciary role and legal representation are separately defined, documented, and billed.
Related practice areas
Probate and Estate Administration
Executor guidance, inheritance tax, complex assets, accountings, distributions, and closing.
Guardianships and Special Needs Planning
Adult guardianship, less restrictive alternatives, special needs trusts, and ABLE accounts.
Estate and Trust Planning
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, and tax-sensitive planning.
