Professional Trustee Services — San Francisco Bay Area & Northern California

When a trust needs independent, court-accountable administration — whether due to family conflict, incapacity, a court order, or the absence of a willing successor — Amy Harrington steps in as a professional trustee with the legal knowledge and fiduciary discipline to do the job right.

Based in San Francisco and Sonoma, Amy serves as professional trustee for families, courts, and financial institutions throughout the Bay Area, Wine Country, and across California. With over 100 court-appointed fiduciary appointments since 2009, she brings rare depth to every matter she accepts.

Court-Appointed Trustee

California courts appoint professional trustees when a trust is disputed, when no qualified family member is available, or when existing administration has broken down. As a court-appointed trustee, Amy acts under judicial supervision, maintains detailed accountings, and reports to the court as required.

She has served as court-appointed trustee in matters across San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and Sacramento counties — including high-conflict administrations involving contested assets, co-trustee disputes, and beneficiary litigation.

Successor Trustee

When a trust’s named successor trustee cannot or will not serve — due to death, resignation, conflict, or lack of capacity — a professional successor trustee steps in to administer the trust according to its terms. Amy accepts appointment as successor trustee in both straightforward and complex trust administrations, including those involving real property, business interests, minor beneficiaries, and special needs provisions.

Trustee fees are payable from the trust estate pursuant to Probate Code § 15685, so there is typically no out-of-pocket cost to beneficiaries.

Independent Trustee for Disputed Administrations

Family trustees sometimes face situations where their neutrality is questioned — or where managing co-beneficiaries has become untenable. An independent professional trustee removes the conflict, protects all parties’ interests, and provides an accountable, legally defensible administration process.

Amy is frequently called in as independent trustee when trust litigation is pending or anticipated, providing both day-to-day administration and coordination with litigation counsel across Northern California.

Trust Administration During a Loved One’s Incapacity

A revocable living trust often names the settlor as their own trustee. When health or cognitive decline makes self-administration impossible, a professional trustee can take over — preserving assets, managing real property, paying bills, and coordinating care — without the expense and delay of a conservatorship.

This is one of the most personal services Amy provides. She works closely with families to ensure the transition is smooth, the trust is administered faithfully, and the beneficiary’s wellbeing remains the priority throughout.

Serving Clients Throughout Northern California

San Francisco · Marin County · Sonoma County · Napa County · Alameda County · Contra Costa County · Santa Clara County · San Mateo County · Sacramento · and statewide by Zoom and remote court appearances.

Offices in San Francisco (One Embarcadero Center, Suite 1200) and Sonoma (846 Broadway). Available for in-person meetings in both locations.

Experience and Credentials

Amy Harrington has held over 100 court-appointed fiduciary positions since 2020, including trustee, administrator, partition referee, and receiver. She is rated by Super Lawyers and ranked by Chambers & Partners (USA Spotlight — Trusts & Estates). She is a contributing editor and lecturer for Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB). Licensed as both an attorney and a California real estate broker, she brings unusual depth to trust matters involving real property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a professional trustee do?

A professional trustee manages a trust’s assets, investments, and distributions according to the trust document and California law. This includes collecting income, paying expenses, filing tax returns, communicating with beneficiaries, and making distributions — all with full fiduciary accountability.

When does a court appoint a professional trustee?

California courts appoint professional trustees when a trust has no willing or qualified successor, when the named trustee has been removed for breach of duty, or when beneficiaries and co-trustees are in litigation and require neutral administration. The court retains oversight and the trustee reports to the court.

How much does a professional trustee cost in California?

Professional trustee fees are paid from the trust estate — not from beneficiaries’ personal funds — pursuant to Probate Code § 15685. Fees are typically based on a reasonable hourly rate or a percentage of trust assets, depending on the complexity of the administration. Amy’s rate is $475 per hour for fiduciary services.

Can a professional trustee be appointed if the family disagrees?

Yes. Any beneficiary or interested party may petition the probate court to appoint a professional trustee. Courts will appoint one when doing so is in the best interests of the trust and its beneficiaries — particularly in contested or dysfunctional administrations.

What is the difference between a trustee and an executor?

An executor (or personal representative) administers a probate estate after death. A trustee administers a trust — which may operate during the settlor’s lifetime and continue for years after death. The two roles are distinct, though Amy frequently serves in both capacities in the same matter.

Does Amy serve as trustee statewide?

Yes. While Amy’s offices are in San Francisco and Sonoma, she accepts trustee appointments throughout California and appears in courts statewide, including by Zoom remote appearance where permitted.

Related Services

Probate & Estate Administration · Court Receiver · Partition Referee · Conservatorship