Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is a fiduciary?

Accepted Answer

A fiduciary is a person the law requires to act in another person's best interest. We serve in that role in different ways. A court appoints us as guardian or conservator, the Social Security Administration appoints us as representative payee, and some people name us in a trust or in power of attorney or health care documents.

Question 2

What is the difference between guardianship and conservatorship?

Accepted Answer

A guardian makes personal decisions for a person, such as health care and where the person lives. A conservator manages money and property. A person may need one or both.

Question 3

How is a guardian or conservator appointed?

Accepted Answer

A court appoints a guardian or conservator after someone files a petition and the court holds a hearing. An attorney usually helps with the petition.

Question 4

Why would a court appoint a professional fiduciary instead of a family member?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes no family member is able or willing to serve. Sometimes the family disagrees, or the finances are complicated. In those cases the court, an attorney, or the family may ask a professional to serve.

Question 5

How does Integrity Fiduciary Services charge for its services?

Accepted Answer

For court-appointed matters, the court approves our fees. For other work, we will go over our fees with you before we start.

Question 6

What areas of Minnesota do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We mainly work in Dakota County and the surrounding counties. If you are outside that area, email us and we can talk about whether we can help.

Question 7

How do I refer a client to Integrity Fiduciary Services?

Accepted Answer

Email Kelly@IntegrityFiduciary.com. We will ask a few questions about the person's situation and tell you whether we can help.

Question 8

What happens when a guardianship or conservatorship ends?

Accepted Answer

A guardianship or conservatorship can end if the person recovers, if the person dies, or if the court orders it. We file the reports the court requires and follow the court's directions on what happens next.

Question 9

Can Integrity Fiduciary Services serve as trustee of a special needs trust?

Accepted Answer

We serve as trustee when a trust needs someone to manage it. Email us about the kind of trust you have.

Question 10

What should I do if I am concerned about a vulnerable adult's situation?

Accepted Answer

If you think a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, report your concern to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center at 1-844-880-1574. If a guardianship or conservatorship may help, we are glad to hear from you or the attorney by email.

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