What is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)?

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is the world’s largest anti-fraud organization. The CFE credential was born out of a need to combat increasing fraud in recent decades, and to combine the disciplines of fraud detection, deterrence and investigation.  The credential is earned through meeting experience and education requirements, demonstrating that through passing a rigorous 8-hour exam, and completing 20 hours of continuing education annually. 

Why are you only a fit if your services are likely needed now or in the next few years?

Gregg is a solo practitioner as opposed to a corporate entity or agency.  So, if something happens to Gregg there is no one within Swanson Fiduciary Services to take over.  The further in the future that services are needed, the more likely it is that something could affect Gregg's availability.  A better fit would be a corporate entity or agency that is not dependent on one person and therefore very likely to be available when you need them in the future. 

Do you charge a retainer?

No, not in the sense that we are paid just for being available.  We always are paid only for work we do.  However, advances are necessary in most cases.  Advances are then reconciled periodically with actual billing, and future advances adjusted accordingly. 

What do your services cost?

We do not charge based on percentages of the estate or trust.  Instead, we charge by time the time it takes and expertise level required for the type of work.  Time is tracked by the 1/10 of an hour.  ?Current rates for expertise level are $150/hour for high, $125/hour for moderate, and $100/hour for administrative level. 

What is a Certified Professional Guardian Conservator (CPGC)?

The State of Washington has some of the most developed law in the US regarding guardianship.  The CPGC program ensures that those providing these services professionally are thoroughly vetted, trained, demonstrated competency, continue their training annually and are follow proper procedures.  To become a CPGC takes about a year and re-certification is annual.  Much more information is available through the state's guardianship web site.  

On average it takes candidates who meet the experience and education requirements about a year to study for and pass the exam.  More can be found on theACFE website.