Kristie Carter, NCGCalifornia Licensed Professional FiduciaryCentral Coast, California
I'm a professional fiduciary in San Luis Obispo. Families, attorneys and CPAs call me when a trust, an estate, a probate case or a conservatorship needs a licensed, neutral person to take charge, especially when there is a house involved.
Why Kristie
Most fiduciaries know trusts. Most real estate agents know houses. Very few know both.
In many Central Coast trusts and estates, the home is the largest single asset. Decisions about keeping, renting, repairing or selling it shape the whole outcome.
I'm a licensed professional fiduciary who also understands real estate. As trustee, executor or conservator, I can read the trust, understand the property, and manage, prepare and sell it through the trust or court process.
Clients have described me as honest, organized and thorough, and as someone who truly cares about people. They tell me they value that I answer the phone, explain each step patiently and keep everyone informed.
Services
Trust administration in San Luis Obispo, successor trustee help, and an independent, neutral trustee when the family needs one.
Estate administration, estate settlement and probate support, as executor or administrator, working with your probate attorney.
Court appointed fiduciary for adults who need a conservator and for minors who need a guardian.
Fiduciary oversight of the house and land inside a trust, estate or conservatorship, from care to sale.
I am not a lawyer and don't give legal or tax advice. I work alongside your attorney and CPA.
About
California Licensed Professional FiduciaryCentral Coast, California
I'm based in San Luis Obispo (SLO) and I serve a select group of clients in fiduciary matters across the Central Coast, California.
I'm a Cal Poly graduate with a background in microbiology, psychology and business development, and the founder of Carter & Co.
My practice is built on integrity and discretion. Family matters stay private, records stay complete, and the well-being of the person I serve comes first.
Families tell me what they value most is honesty, steady communication and patience when emotions run high. One client, serving as trustee of their mother's estate, said the patience and grace I brought to a difficult time made the difference.
Areas served
Hourly fees range from $200 to $275. My full written fee schedule is provided free on request. Call 805.235.4499 or email kristie@kristiecarter.com.
Trustee fees are paid from the trust as the trust and California law allow (Probate Code 15681) and are shown in the trust accounting. In conservatorships, the court reviews and approves fees (Probate Code 2640 to 2645).
Learn
Short videos on what a professional fiduciary does, successor trustee help and trust administration in San Luis Obispo County.
Watch videosFollow Kristie
Questions
If your mom has a trust, the successor trustee named in it usually steps in. If she signed a durable power of attorney, her agent can help. If neither exists, a court may appoint a conservator. A licensed professional fiduciary can serve in any of these roles.
If your parent has a trust, a successor trustee or a trustee for aging parents can pay bills, protect the house and keep the family informed. If there is no trust and your parent can no longer manage, the court can appoint a conservator of the estate. I am a licensed professional fiduciary and can serve in either role.
Yes. If you are the family trustee, I can guide you through the steps. I can also step in as successor trustee or as a neutral, independent trustee, so you can be a son or daughter again instead of the administrator.
A person licensed by the State of California to manage money, property or care decisions for someone else, for example as a trustee or conservator. Professional fiduciaries are licensed, tested and regulated by the California Professional Fiduciaries Bureau.
No. I am not an attorney and I don't give legal or tax advice. I do the hands-on work of a trustee, executor or conservator and work alongside your attorney and CPA.
You can usually decline or resign. The trust document explains who is next. Many families ask a professional fiduciary to take over so no one in the family has to carry it.
Fees must be reasonable under California law. Hourly fees range from $200 to $275. My full written fee schedule is provided free on request. You get the fees in writing before any work begins. In court cases, the court reviews and approves fees.
My license numbers are listed in the Licenses section at the bottom of every page, with links to the state license lookups.
San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County on the Central Coast, California, including San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria, Santa Margarita, Templeton, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Orcutt, Lompoc, Solvang, Buellton, Goleta, Montecito, and Carpinteria.
The first call is a chance to ask questions and see if I'm the right fit for your family, your trust or your case.
Serving San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California.
Please don't email account numbers, Social Security numbers or medical details. We can go over those in person.