How do courts generally perceive licensed fiduciaries compared to non-professional fiduciaries?

Courts generally perceive licensed fiduciaries at a much higher standard due to their professional training and experience in managing fiduciary responsibilities. Licensed fiduciaries are expected to uphold a greater level of skill, care, and ethical behavior, reflecting the confidence placed in them by their clients and the legal framework governing fiduciary relationships.

The rationale behind this higher standard is predicated on the idea that licensed fiduciaries have acquired specific knowledge and competencies through formal education and certification processes. This professional background obliges them to act not only in the best interest of their clients but also to adhere to the fiduciary duties of loyalty and impartiality with a level of expertise that non-professional fiduciaries might not possess.

Moreover, as court expectations increase for licensed fiduciaries, they are often held accountable for any breaches of duty more stringently than non-professional fiduciaries. This is because clients rely on their expertise, and any failure to meet established fiduciary standards can have significant consequences, potentially leading to legal action or loss of licensure.