Stam Fiduciary provides independent professional fiduciary services throughout Southern California, with a particular focus on estates and trusts involving non-U.S. citizen and internationally located beneficiaries. The fee structure below applies to service as successor trustee, agent under durable power of attorney, and related fiduciary roles.
| Gross Estate Value | Statutory Rate | Fee on This Tier |
|---|---|---|
| First $100,000 | 4% | $4,000 |
| Next $100,000 | 3% | $3,000 |
| Next $800,000 | 2% | Up to $16,000 |
| Next $9,000,000 | 1% | Up to $90,000 |
| Next $15,000,000 | 0.5% | Up to $75,000 |
| Above $25,000,000 | Court determined | Per court order |
Example: An estate with a gross value of $1,000,000 generates a statutory fee of $23,000 (4% × $100K + 3% × $100K + 2% × $800K). The same fee is payable to the attorney for the estate. Extraordinary fees require separate court petition and approval.
All fiduciary compensation remains subject to the reasonableness standard of the California Probate Code (§15681) and to court review where applicable. Conservatorship fees are subject to annual court approval under §2623. Every engagement begins with a written fee agreement, and invoices are itemized monthly. Estate planning documents may reference the fiduciary's fee schedule as in effect at the time services commence; this schedule may be updated periodically.
This page is informational and does not constitute legal or tax advice; questions regarding document drafting should be directed to your estate planning attorney.
"Transparency in fees is inseparable from integrity in service. You will always know what you are paying, and why every hour was necessary."— Al Stam, LL.M. · Stam Fiduciary