A Family Law and Estate Planning Law Firm

Fiduciary Services

Trusted Legal Guidance for Trustees, Representatives, and Court-Appointed Fiduciaries in St. Johns, Clay, and Duval County

Fiduciary Services Attorney in Fruit Cove, Florida

Fiduciary Services

Acting as a fiduciary is a profound honor that comes with deep trust and responsibility. Whether you’re named a trustee, guardian, or personal representative, your role carries significant legal duties. With the right legal support, you can navigate these responsibilities with confidence and care.

Serving as a fiduciary means stepping into a position of great trust and responsibility. Whether you’ve been appointed as a trustee, guardian, or personal representative, your legal obligations are significant—and often overwhelming without the right legal guidance.

At the Law Offices of Jared I. Loucel, P.A., we help individuals, families, and professionals in St. Johns County, and surrounding Florida communities understand and fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities with clarity and confidence. My goal is to ensure that fiduciaries not only comply with the law but also act ethically and effectively in the best interests of those they serve.

What Is a Fiduciary?

A fiduciary is a person or entity legally obligated to act in the best interest of another party—often in managing money, property, or personal care decisions. Fiduciaries must act with honesty, loyalty, diligence, and full disclosure, always putting the beneficiary’s interests ahead of their own.

Fiduciary roles in Florida can arise in many legal contexts, including:

Whether your appointment came from a court, a family member, or a public agency, it’s important to understand your duties, limits, and risks. We’re here to help.

Trustee Representation and Guidance

As a trustee, you are responsible for managing assets held in trust according to the terms of the trust document and in compliance with Florida’s Trust Code. Duties include:

  • Collecting and managing trust propert
  • Making prudent investments
  • Providing regular accountings to beneficiaries
  • Distributing assets per trust terms
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest

I assist both new and experienced trustees with:

  • Reviewing and interpreting trust documents
  • Advising on fiduciary decisions and responsibilities
  • Preparing trust accountings and tax documents
  • Resolving disputes with or between beneficiaries
  • Responding to creditor claims or trust litigation

A trustee can be held personally liable for mishandling funds or breaching fiduciary duties. I work to protect you while ensuring that your actions align with both the trust terms and Florida law.

If you are serving as a guardian or guardian advocate, the court requires ongoing supervision, documentation, and compliance with detailed statutes. I help court-appointed guardians:

  • Understand the scope of their authority
  • File initial and annual plans, inventories, and accountings
  • Obtain court approval for certain actions (e.g., selling property, changing residence)
  • Respond to complaints or challenges
  • Navigate changes in the ward’s needs or rights

Whether you are managing a loved one’s personal care, finances, or both, I provide the legal tools and support you need to serve effectively and responsibly.

If you’ve been appointed as a personal representative (executor) in a Florida probate case, you’re expected to administer the estate honestly, promptly, and in accordance with the decedent’s will—or state law if there is no will.

As your probate attorney, I help you fulfill fiduciary responsibilities such as:

  • Identifying and safeguarding estate assets
  • Paying valid debts and taxes
  • Filing required inventories and accountings
  • Distributing assets to beneficiaries
  • Closing the estate with court approval

Personal representatives must avoid favoritism, follow strict timelines, and maintain complete transparency. I work alongside you to make sure every step is handled legally and efficiently.

Even well-meaning fiduciaries can be accused of breaching their duties, particularly when family tensions run high or assets are significant. I represent fiduciaries or beneficiaries in cases involving:

  • Alleged breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement or self-dealing
  • Conflicts between co-trustees or co-guardians
  • Contested accountings or failure to report
  • Fiduciary removal or surcharge actions

When disputes arise, I seek resolution through negotiation or mediation whenever possible—but I am fully prepared to represent your interests in court when necessary.

A Local Attorney
You Can Rely On

Based in Fruit Cove, I serve fiduciaries across St. Johns, Clay, and Duval County, and the surrounding areas. I understand the weight of these roles and take pride in providing trusted, practical legal advice to help you succeed in your position—and avoid preventable problems.

You won’t be handed off to a case manager or paralegal—we have a team to assist you with your questions. We believe in giving each client personalized attention, consistent communication, and practical advice tailored to your unique circumstances.

Schedule a Fiduciary Consultation

If you have been appointed to a fiduciary role—or are considering taking one on—it’s important to understand your responsibilities and rights. I’m here to help you do it right.

We're here to help!

Serving Fruit Cove, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Duval, and St. Johns Counties
Flexible scheduling | In-person and virtual options available