Licensed Fiduciary Services

California Probate & Trust Administration Services

NorCal Fiduciary provides professional probate, estate, and trust administration services for families and referring attorneys throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Led by Brian Toeppen, a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary (CLPF #1474) based in Dublin, we serve as a neutral, court-authorized representative who manages the administrative work of settling a probate, estate, or trust.

Whether you need someone to take on the full role of administrator, executor, or trustee, or simply support with specific tasks, our services are designed to reduce the burden on families and keep every step compliant with the California Probate Code. Explore each service below.

Probate & Estate Administration

Our probate and estate administration service ensures that your loved one’s estate is settled smoothly and efficiently.

With our extensive court experience, we handle all aspects of the probate process, from filing documents to final distribution, while providing compassionate guidance to help you through this difficult time.

Trust Administration

Our trust administration service focuses on managing trusts effectively while adhering to legal requirements.

We provide comprehensive oversight of trust assets, ensuring they are managed and distributed per the grantor’s wishes, all while maintaining clear communication with beneficiaries to foster understanding and transparency.

Out-of-State & International Beneficiaries

When heirs or beneficiaries live in another state or country, estate and trust administration involves extra layers — notarization, apostilles, international wire transfers, non-resident tax withholding, and identity verification.

As a local, court appointed professional fiduciary, I provide hands on oversight throughout California, so families living out of state or internationally receive clear, regular updates without having to travel.

Administration Support

Already serving as administrator, executor, or trustee and just need help with specific tasks? We can assist the current representative with parts of the process.

This support is billed at our hourly rate, shown in our fee schedule, so you get professional guidance exactly where you need it without handing over the entire role.

View Fee Schedule

Our Process

Consultation

We start with an initial consultation to understand your unique needs and develop a tailored plan to address them.

Implementation

Our team efficiently implements the agreed-upon plan, managing all details to ensure a smooth process and compliance with legal requirements.

Ongoing Support

We provide ongoing support throughout the estate management process, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Bay Area Communities We Serve

NorCal Fiduciary serves families and referring attorneys across all nine San Francisco Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma. Probate is filed and supervised at the county level, so local court procedures and calendars vary from one county to the next.

Because our office is based in Dublin, in the East Bay, we provide hands-on, local representation and can appear in the appropriate county Superior Court wherever the estate or trust is administered. We also regularly assist families whose loved one lived in the Bay Area but whose heirs are located out of state or overseas.

Why Work With a Professional Fiduciary

Neutral

Impartial Representation

A professional fiduciary acts as a neutral third party, which helps reduce family conflict when relatives cannot agree or when no one is able to serve.

Accountable

Court Oversight

Every significant action — asset sales, distributions, and final accountings — is documented and subject to review by the probate court.

Fiduciary Responsibility

Fiduciary Standard

We are legally obligated to act exclusively in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries, avoiding conflicts of interest and self-dealing.

Licensed

Regulated Professional

Brian Toeppen is licensed by the California Professional Fiduciaries Bureau (CLPF #1474) and bound by a strict statutory code of ethics.

Services FAQ

What does a professional fiduciary do?

A California Licensed Professional Fiduciary is a neutral, court appointed professional who can serve as administrator, executor, trustee, or agent. They manage the administrative work of an estate or trust — securing assets, paying debts and taxes, keeping detailed accountings, Selling real property, and distributing property to heirs or beneficiaries in compliance with the law.

What is the difference between probate and trust administration?

Probate is the court supervised process of settling a deceased person’s estate, overseen by the Superior Court. Trust administration is the private process of managing and distributing assets held in a trust, which usually happens outside of court. NorCal Fiduciary handles both.

Can you help if I am already the administrator or trustee?

Yes. If you are already serving as administrator, executor, or trustee, we can assist with specific tasks such as accountings, inventories, asset management, creditor claims, or preparing court filings. This task-based support is billed at our hourly rate, shown in our fee schedule.

How much do your services cost?

Fees depend on the role and scope of work. Full estate and trust administration follows the applicable statutory or trust based fee structure, while task based support is billed hourly. Our current rates are listed in our fee schedule.

Do you work with families and heirs who live outside California?

Yes. We regularly serve estates and trusts where some or all beneficiaries live in another state or country, providing local California oversight and clear communication so distant families do not have to travel or manage the process from afar.