Providing professional fiduciary services, information, and resources to individuals, families and our community.
Next Steps for Families, LLC specializes in providing services as a Licensed Fiduciary, with licensure issued by the Arizona Supreme Court, Licensing and Certification Division. Leslie Mann-Damon serves as the principal Licensed Fiduciary for this firm.
As the Licensed Fiduciary, Next Steps for Families, LLC, through its principal and staff, are entrusted to accept the responsibilities of taking care of the needs and affairs of another person when the individual is unable to do so for themselves. This role is further defined by the court order, and may include, but is not limited to, securing the most appropriate care environment, obtaining medical care, serving as the decision-maker, protecting assets, overseeing finances, working with all interested parties and complying with court orders.
As fiduciary we can be court appointed to serve as the legal guardian, conservator, special administrator, personal representative or trustee or successor trustee for various types of trusts. Additionally, a Licensed Fiduciary is often utilized to serve as the of power of attorney or personal representative for individuals with capacity to delegate such authority through their estate planning documents.
Our team is committed to providing our extensive experience, professionalism and respect to each case to customize our services to the individual needs and concerns presented. We strive to maintain communication and cooperation with clients, families, attorneys, care providers and the courts. We hold ourselves to the highest standards to best serve our clients and our community.
Please contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation to enquire whether our services are right for you.
Areas of Practice
Guardianship
A guardianship may be necessary when an individual is determined to be lacking sufficient capacity to make or communicate decisions concerning care, needs and activities for daily living.
Guardianship requires that the court appoint an individual to serve as the legal guardian over another person by statutory priority. Court appointed guardians are overseen by the probate court to ensure compliance with court orders. In some cases both guardian and conservatorship are necessary.
Trustee / Special needs trusts
The role of the Trustee is defined in the trust instrument and is designated solely for the purposes specified. The Licensed Fiduciary may serve as the trustee or successor trustee for various types of trusts.
The court may appoint a Licensed Fiduciary to administer a contested trust, special needs trust, or the trust of an incapacitated person whose nominated trustee is unable or unwilling to serve. Court appointed trustees are overseen by the probate court to ensure compliance with the trust document and intervening court orders.
Conservatorship
A conservatorship may be necessary when an individual is determined to be lacking sufficient capacity to manage their own financial affairs and property. In some cases, both a guardian and conservatorship are necessary.
Conservatorship requires that the court appoint an individual to serve as the conservator of the protected person by statutory authority. Court appointed conservators are overseen by the probate court to ensure compliance with court orders.
Power of attorney
The role of the Power of Attorney is defined within the specific instrument. Individuals will often seek the services of a Licensed Fiduciary to act in this capacity due to existing high licensing standards.
By executing power of attorney documents, the individual selects someone ready to act on their behalf in the event of disability or incapacity. Power of Attorney documents are executed by individuals with capacity, through their estate planning attorney. The fiduciary can further be named as the estate administrator in the estate planning documents. Executing estate planning documents may prevent the need for future guardian or conservatorship proceedings.
Personal Representative
A personal representative may be necessary to administer the estate of another. This role requires the fiduciary to inventory, determine final disposition of assets, and distribute the estate in compliance with the Last Will and Testament or the court order.
The role of the personal representative is ordered by the court and determined by statutory authority. Court appointed personal representatives are overseen by the probate court to ensure compliance with court orders.
Mediation
The role of the mediator is to serve as a neutral third party, using skills to assist parties in obtaining an agreement to be documented and implemented. This allows parties to retain control over the process and any agreements reached.
Mediation can provide parties with increased understanding and communications about the issues, allow parties to remain in control of the resolution and provide documentation of any agreements reached by the parties.
“We must all obey the great law of change. It is the most powerful law of nature.”
Let's Chat.
Use the form below to contact us regarding your enquiry. You may also email or call us to make an appointment.
For job opportunities, please email us your resume. We’re always looking for exceptional and talented people to work with us in providing for those we serve.