Meridiem Fiduciary determines fees on a case-by-case basis based on the size, assets and complexity of the matter.  Our goal is to be flexible and come up with a solution that is mutually acceptable based on the work to be performed.

Trust Administrations & Estate Settlements

Matters under $5,000,000 are typically billed at our hourly rates, with billing in 0.1 hour increments.

• Licensed Professional Fiduciaries -  $200 to $300 per hour

• Administrative Staff -  $125 to $175 per hour

For ongoing trust administrations and estate settlements that exceed $5,000,000 in assets under management (AUM), services are generally billed as a fixed fee based on a percentage of the gross value of the assets.

• Ongoing Trust Administrations - 0.3%-0.9% of gross value of assets under management annually.

• Estate Settlements - 0.45%-1.35% of gross value of estate.

The base fiduciary fee covers all routine and ordinary services required for the daily administration of the trust. These standard services typically include:

• Asset Oversight: Marshaling, maintaining, and supervising standard trust assets, investments, and liabilities.

• Financial Management: Preparing routine financial reports, developing beneficiary spending plans and budgets, and processing ordinary distributions.

• Tax Coordination: Compiling data and assisting the trust’s designated tax professionals with annual tax reporting.

• Routine Communications: Standard, ongoing correspondence and status updates with beneficiaries, advisors, and legal counsel.

Extraordinary Fees

Should work be required outside of the above scope including dealing with litigation, historical tax issues, 706 estate tax returns, disposition of tangible personal property, business management, or disposition of real property, extraordinary fees will be charged in addition to the fixed fee. Hourly fees for extraordinary services, when applicable, may be charged at the prevailing Licensed Professional Fiduciary and Administrative Staff rates. Sale of real property or a business interest may be billed at 1.0% of the value of the sale in lieu of the hourly rate.

Probate Administration

Statutory probate fees under California Probate Code §10800: for ordinary services the personal representative shall receive compensation based on the value of the estate accounted for by the personal representative, as follows:

• 4% on the first $100,000

• 3% on the next $100,000

• 2% on the next $800,000

• 1% on the next $9,000,000

• 0.5% on the next $15,000,000

• For all amounts above twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000), a reasonable amount to be determined by the court.

The court may allow additional compensation from the funds of the estate for extraordinary services such as employing or retaining tax counsel, auditors, accountants or other tax experts which may be necessary for the final determination and payment of taxes.

Professional Fees

Depending on the capacity in which we are retained to serve, we may need to engage the services of attorneys, financial advisors, tax professionals or other professionals to assist us in fulfilling our duties. It is important to note that the cost for these services will be borne by the trust, estate, client, corporation, or other legal entities for which we are serving as a fiduciary.

As a fiduciary, our duty is to always act in the best interests of our clients and engage any necessary resources to do so.