Professional Fiduciary Services
Trust & Estate Administration
“We advocate for our client’s well-being and dignity,
with a high standard of respect, integrity and compassion“
When Is a Trust Administrator Needed?
Trust administration is a crucial process that occurs in various situations involving trusts. It entails the management, distribution, and compliance with the terms outlined in a trust document. In this summary, we will explore the key circumstances when trust administration is typically required, including the death of the trust’s creator, the irrevocability of the trust, the entitlement of beneficiaries to receive assets, ongoing management and investment duties, and resolution of trust-related disputes. Understanding these situations can help individuals and trustees navigate the trust administration process effectively.
When Is an Estate Administrator Needed?
Estate administration is a vital process that comes into play when managing the affairs of a deceased individual. It involves various tasks, such as asset distribution, debt settlement, and compliance with legal requirements. In this summary, we will explore the key circumstances that typically necessitate estate administration, including the passing of an individual, the presence or absence of a valid will, complexities of assets or financial matters, and the resolution of disputes or challenges. Understanding these situations can help guide individuals and executors through the estate administration process effectively.
When Is a Conservatorship Needed?
A conservatorship is a legal arrangement that is typically required in specific situations where an individual is unable to make decisions or manage their own affairs due to incapacity or vulnerability. This summary explores the key circumstances that commonly necessitate a conservatorship, including lack of decision-making capacity, absence of advance directives or power of attorney, concerns of exploitation or abuse, management of financial matters, and healthcare decision-making. Understanding these situations can help individuals and their families navigate the process of establishing a conservatorship when necessary.
Professional fiduciaries work closely with a team of estate planning and probate attorneys, financial advisors, bankers, CPAs, health care providers, and other related agencies.
Professional Fiduciary Services
Trust
Administration
The value of our trust administration services lies in the expertise, efficiency, and impartiality we bring to the management of assets, compliance with legal responsibilities, and facilitation of a smooth and fair distribution process. It allows beneficiaries to have confidence in the proper administration of the trust and ensures the preservation and realization of the trust’s intended benefits.
Estate Administration
Our estate administration services provide invaluable assistance and expertise in managing the complex process of settling an estate. We alleviate administrative burdens, ensure compliance with legal requirements, facilitate efficient asset distribution, and help navigate complex situations, providing peace of mind and a smooth transition for the family during a challenging time.
Will
Executor
Our Will executor services provide expertise, relieve burdensome administrative tasks, ensure compliance with legal requirements, facilitate efficient asset management and distribution, and provide conflict resolution support. By entrusting the responsibilities to a professional executor, families can navigate the complexities of estate administration with confidence.
Special Needs Trust Administrator
Special Needs Trust (SNT) administrator (Trustee) services provide invaluable support by preserving public benefits, offering comprehensive financial management, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, providing individualized care and support, offering long-term planning, and delivering peace of mind to families. Thus, families can enhance the well-being of their loved ones with special needs.
Power of Attorney’s Agent
Power of Attorney’s agent carries immense value as we are entrusted with important responsibilities and decisions on your behalf. By acting in your best interests, managing financial and legal affairs, making healthcare decisions, advocating for your rights, and providing continuity and support, we contribute significantly to the well-being and peace of mind of the principal during critical times in their life
Conservatorship / Guardianship
Our conservatorship and guardianship services offer invaluable support in protecting and caring for vulnerable individuals who are unable to manage their personal and financial affairs independently.
By providing financial management, decision-making, legal protection, advocacy, and support, conservators ensure the well-being, security, and quality of life for those under our care.
Two Estate Planning Bedside Books
(Recommended Reading)
Empowering INHERITANCE
Help Yourself Understanding Your Inheritance Plan
My name is Lis G. Ortiz. I was fortunate to have Estate Planning and Probate Attorney Mr. Jeffrey Condon as my employer and mentor during my 20 years as a paralegal in the inheritance field. Reading his books influenced my decision to become a Professional Fiduciary. I cannot recommend enough these books to those seeking for answers in the estate planning arena.
The Living Trust Advisor
The Living Trust Advisor is an expert guide for both advisors and their clients on the complex process of establishing, living with, and maintaining a living trust.
Beyond The Grave
This expert, one-of-a-kind handbook shows you how to provide for the family fairly and equitably estate planning, facilitate charitable giving, and avoid probate
What Clients and Professionals Say
Jeffrey L. Condon
Lis G. Ortiz has been my assistant and paralegal for over 16 years. During that time, she got more and more fiduciary-related work in connection with my trusteeships of various trust and estate administrations. In all cases, Ms. Ortiz was found dependable, trustworthy, and reliable. But even more impressive is Ms. Ortiz’s work ethic. I am very happy and proud she decided to follow this path and became a private professional fiduciary, making it her new passion.
Robert Weinbach
Lis Ortiz’s assistance to me, Robert Weinbach and my wife, Hiromi has been enormously helpful and impressive in guiding us in the process of establishing my Estate Plan and living trust documentation. We look forward to maintaining a productive association with Lis who we anticipate will be the fiduciary representative in the implementation of my Estate Plan.
Lorie H. Kraus
Lis has worked with me as a paralegal for more than two years, assisting me with administering trusts and estates for my clients. I have been impressed by the breadth of her knowledge and experience and her excellent judgment. She is extremely honest and reliable, highly effective and efficient in her work, and a lovely and pleasant person to work with. I am very pleased she has become a licensed professional fiduciary. I would recommend her highly.
Betsy Stein
Mrs. Ortiz has been my professional fiduciary since February 2024. She is the person named to act in that capacity in my estate planning documents, and I could not be happier with her service. Not only is she highly skilled, efficient, and trustworthy, but she is easy to work with, patient and a delightful human being. She is great at working with seniors and her patience pays off. She goes an extra mile to act on my behalf and in my best interest.ger
Backed by Results, Built on Relationships
The Professional Fiduciary Association of California (PFAC) is the state’s oldest and leading organization dedicated to licensed Professional Fiduciaries. Our members represent the highest standards of expertise, experience, and integrity in the field.
PFAC brings together not only top fiduciaries from across California, but also a diverse network of affiliates, strategic partners, and professionals from related industries — all working together to elevate the profession.
Being a Professional Fiduciary is more than a career — it’s a calling. PFAC members provide critical services that improve lives, offering trusted guidance when individuals and families need it most. Every day, our members have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference while earning the trust of those who depend on their personal and professional integrity.
It’s a noble profession — and one that is deeply rewarding on every level.
1000+
Satisfied Clients
Over 100 projects built with trust and excellence.
30 Yrs.
Structural Warranty
Structural coverage & quality you can count on.
Long-Term Reliability
What Sets Us Apart
We are a neutral third party — free from personal bias — making decisions that are solely in the best interests of those who we serve.
Unwavering Integrity
Trust is Everything. We operate with complete transparency, ethical standards, and accountability in every decision.
Knowledge and Experience
Years of work, continuing education, and a deep understanding of legal, financial, and healthcare systems
Compassionate Service
Beyond technical skills, great fiduciaries are empathetic listeners and advocates — treating every client with the dignity, respect, and personal attention its deserves.
Responsiveness and Reliability
By being available, organized, and responsive, we build trust and ensure smooth handling of complex situations, often during emotional or critical times.
Location
1959 Cloverfield Blvd Suite 114, Sta Monica CA
lis@fiduciaryservices.la
Phone
310-424-2967
Contact Us
You can write to us for any question or concerns.