Personal connections are at the center of Bennett Fiduciary Services. Susan wants to learn as much as possible about each client and their goals so that she can facilitate the best possible life for them. She has connections with probate lawyers, special needs trust attorneys, fiduciary financial planners, CPAs who specialize in trusts, case managers, San Diego Regional Center, caregivers and many other professionals that are dedicated to special needs and the elderly.
ABOUT
Susan Bennett
San Diego Privately Licensed Fiduciary #1221
Caring for others that cannot care for themselves is a part of my family, and thus a part of me. My older sister was born mentally challenged. My brother and I instinctively knew that we needed to protect her and help her with things she couldn’t do for herself–this was just normal for us growing up. After my brother and I moved out of the house and moved on with our own lives, I remember my mom beginning to worry about what would happen to my sister if/when she could no longer take care of her. My mom cared for my sister at home for 45 years until she had an unexpected heart attack in 2013 and passed away. My brother and I were devastated and not prepared for all the time and patience it would take to care for my sister emotionally and financially. We had to find a place for her to live, locate all of her documents, doctors, and dentist to make sure we stayed on track with her prescriptions, appointments, and therapy. I learned by necessity to be her representative payee, as well as what I needed to do to keep her qualified for her public benefits.
A few years later, my husband and I realized that our son would also need someone to care for him throughout his life. He was born with a high functioning intellectual disability. We had always hoped he would continue to grow and learn and be self-sufficient one day. As the reality of his lifetime disability set in, I realized the worry my mom had for my sister. Who would be there to take care of our son’s well being after my husband and I are gone? As I began to navigate the complicated process of setting up a Special Needs Trust (SNT), disability, public benefits, conservatorships, Medi-cal etc. I knew I wanted to become a professional fiduciary to help other individuals and families experiencing the same challenges I have faced. My goal: To help people with various disabilities live their best life with all the resources available to them. I wanted to be the person that families could trust to always do what was in the best interest for their son, daughter or loved one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do you operate independently?
I like to get to know my clients personally so that I can act in their best interest. I also keep a small number of clients so I have the time to work on their behalf.
What credentials do you have?
I am a state and national licensed fiduciary. I have financial experience and have worked for many years as a family fiduciary.
Have you ever worked with someone with addiction issues?
Yes, I have had many clients with various addictions. I know the struggles that the client may go through and the stress and frustration placed on the family. I have experience working with psychiatric hospitalizations, PHP, IOP, OP, halfway houses and sober living.
Have you ever worked with someone with mental health issues?
Yes. Mental health clients have many things in common with people with addictions. There will be good and bad phases. They may be in and out of treatments. Family members have a wide range of emotions. My position is to remain unbiased and, in many cases, help my client get treatment when necessary and agreeable.
FIDUCIARY SERVICES
Conservatorship of the Estate
Conservatorship of the Person
Trust Administration
Special Needs Trust Administration
Estate Administration
Estate Executor
Personal Representative
Power of Attorney for Finance
Power of Attorney for Healthcare
FEE SCHEDULE
Agent Under Power of Attorney/Agent Healthcare Directive
Hourly rates:
| Professional Fiduciary Rates | $140.00 per hour |
Guardianships/ Conservatorship of the Person
Hourly rates:
| Professional Fiduciary Rates | $140.00 per hour |
(Guardian/Conservatorship fees are subject to court approval)
Guardianships/ Conservatorship of the Estate
Hourly rates:
| Professional Fiduciary Rates | $140.00 per hour |
(Guardian/Conservatorship fees are subject to court approval)
Trustee and Executive of the Estate
Professional Fiduciary Hourly Rate $140 per hour
Minimum fees per year
| .75% | on the first | $1 Million |
| 0.65% | on the next | Million |
| 0.55% | on the third | Million |
| 0.40% | above |
Probate Administration Fees
Fees payable to the Professional Fiduciary for customary services are authorized under Probate Code 10800 and are computed on fee base comprised of gross assets, plus receipts and gains, less losses, as follows:
| 4% | on the first | $100,000 |
| 3% | on the next | $800,000 |
| 2% | on the next | $900,000 |
| 0.5% | on the next | $1,500,000 |
| Court discretion | after | $25,000,000 |