Frequently Asked Questions
Can I discuss the details of my situation with one of your professionals before I decide to use your services? Yes. We offer a free consultation to determine if any of our services would be of assistance to you or your family We encourage you to call and make an appointment to discuss your specific situation.
What are your fees? Stagg Fiduciary Services, LLC, charges fees by the hour. Staff members record their work as it is performed and then fees are billed at the end of the month. The current hourly rates are between $40 and $300 per hour, depending on the professional level of the staff member providing the service. The blended (average) rate is generally $150 an hour. Costs are usually higher in the beginning of a case, but tend to decrease once major issues have been addressed and a long-term plan is in place. The billable rates are subject to change.
How are Conservatorships different than Guardianships? A Conservator is appointed to manage the estate of the client, which includes making financial decisions and protecting property and other assets. A Guardian is appointed to make decisions about the personal care of the client including health care, living arrangements and other personal issues.
Do you do estate planning? Yes, and No. Although Stagg Fiduciary Services, LLC, does not directly do estate planning, we work with professionals that do. We can review your current estate plan (if there is one) and make suggestions; however, we may eventually refer you to a professional who specializes in estate planning. Oftentimes, the planning we do for a client does not involve a Will, Trust, or even a significant amount of money; instead, we set up a financial plan to assist the client while they live within a budget and, if necessary, prepare for Medicaid assistance.
Do I need an attorney? Maybe. If your specific case requires a Conservator, Trustee, or other court-appointed representative, then, yes, you will need an attorney. We can provide the names of multiple elder law attorneys in the community that can assist you with the necessary legal steps. However, if you are interested in our services in the private-hire area, then, no, you will not need an attorney. We can act as Power of Attorney or simply be nominated as your Banking Power of Attorney, depending upon the services you would like us to provide. When you come in for your free consultation, we will be able to determine whether or not an attorney is advisable.
How does someone qualify for your services? If your specific case requires a Conservator, Trustee, or other court-appointed representative, then there will be a review by our firm to make sure we are the most appropriate choice to represent you. We are a private company which means we do not receive any financial support from state or federal agencies. Therefore, there must be some assets in the client’s estate that would make it fiscally possible for us to step in and assist. If you seek private-hire services, then there are no special requirements other than both parties participating in and agreeing to the terms of the engagement.