Definition of FIDUCIARY: (noun) / a trustee; an agent who represents a principal and acts in the best interest of the principal “the executor serves as a fiduciary of the estate”

(adj) / involving trust, especially with regard to the relationship between a trustee and a beneficiary “the company has a fiduciary duty to its shareholders”

Plain English translation: a representative of another; one who serves as a fiduciary for another has, not surprisingly, a fiduciary obligation to that other person or entity. A fiduciary obligation requires the agent to act with the utmost loyalty, good faith, care, and confidence. Simply put, the agent must act in the principal’s best interest.

If we’re getting more technical (for you attorneys out there) . . .

The New York Estates, Powers, and Trusts Law (EPTL) defines a fiduciary as a person or entity who:

a) meets the description of a “personal representative”; or

b) who is designated by the creator of a trust or by the court to act as an assignee for the benefit of creditors, or a committee, conservator, curator, custodian, guardian, trustee or donee of a power during minority.1

A “personal representative” is a person who has received letters to administer the estate of a decedent. The term does not include an assignee for the benefit of creditors, or a committee, conservator, curator, custodian, guardian, trustee or donee of a power during minority.2

But EPTL § 1-2.7 brings these excluded positions within the definition of a “fiduciary.” Therefore, “fiduciary” is a broader term than “personal representative.”

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Do You Need Legal Help Regarding Probate  Or Estate Litigation In The New York Metro Area?

If a loved one died without a will and you need legal assistance regarding the probate process, or you find yourself involved in estate litigation you should be speak with an experienced probate attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our New York City office directly at 212.227.2424 to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout New York and northern New Jersey including Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, The Bronx, Nassau County and Westchester County.

EPTL § 1-2.7

2 EPTL § 1-2.13

Daniel R. Antonelli
Representing trust & estate clients with an emphasis on estate litigation in the New York City Metro Area.