This session examines the essential components of fiduciary accountings in probate and trust administration, with a focus on legal duties, risk mitigation, and practical execution. Attendees will explore the scope of fiduciary responsibilities, grounds for suspension or removal, and strategies for preparing accurate, court-compliant accountings. The program also addresses clawbacks, surcharge actions, and best practices for documenting and defending fiduciary and attorney fees. Designed for professionals seeking to enhance their accounting acumen and reduce liability, this presentation delivers actionable insights and compliance-focused guidance.
D1 – Mastering Accountings: Fiduciary Duties; Suspension and Removal; Accountings Tips; Clawbacks; Surcharge; and Fiduciary and Attorney Fees
Speakers
Kelly Berlingeri
Superior Court of California, Ventura County
Kelly Murphy Berlingeri, Esq., currently serves as a Court Attorney for the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura. She previously served as the court’s Probate Examiner, where she focused primarily on reviewing conservatorship, guardianship and special needs trust accountings. Prior to joining the court, for fifteen years Ms. Berlingeri practiced as a contract attorney with over twenty law firms in Ventura County, focusing primarily on fiduciary accounts and reports. Her private practice also emphasized estate planning, trusts, conservatorships, and estate administrations. Prior to opening her own firm, Ms. Berlingeri worked for five years for a civil litigation insurance defense firm in Camarillo, California. Before attending law school, she gained valuable and practical financial knowledge while working for six years at various financial institutions.
Hon. Judge Sandra Bean
Alameda County Superior Court
Hon. Judge Roger Lund
Superior Court of California Ventura County
http://www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/
Judge Lund currently serves as the Presiding Probate Judge handling all probate, trust, conservatorship and guardianship of the person and estate cases in Ventura. He was appointed Superior Court Judge by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in December 2009. Judge Lund was named 2022 Judge of the Year by the Ventura County Trial Lawyers Association. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Lund was in private practice for 13 years, handling wills, trusts, probates, conservatorships and guardianships, and also served as a Probate Referee Assistant to Gregory R. Gose, California Probate Referee, assisting in the valuation of all kinds of probate estate assets.