From Financial Anxiety to Financial Clarity
Predictable fees. Measurable value. Complete transparency.
We deliver at least $9 in value for every $1 in fees, and we can prove it.
Watch: How We Deliver Predictable Fees & Measurable Value (4 min)
Expert-Level Work. Documented Results.
Our Principal rate reflects the EA + CLPF credential stack, forensic capability, and litigation-ready documentation that high-conflict estates require.
Principal Rate — Expert / Litigated Tier
$450/hr
Keenan Brown, EA, CLPF #790 · Forensic Analysis · Court Testimony · Extraordinary Services
Forensic Heir Audit
Starting at $15,000
Full forensic review of heir transactions, unauthorized withdrawals, and asset dissipation. Produces court-ready documentation for surcharge motions.
High-Risk Real Property Sale
Starting at $12,500
Full-cycle management of contested or encumbered property sales — asbestos, utility liens, heir conflict, title disputes. Closes what others cannot.
Complex Asset Marshalling
Starting at $4,600
Systematic inventory, valuation, and control of dispersed or hard-to-locate assets — international accounts, business interests, digital assets.
The ROI Case for Expert Fees
A 25% contingency on recovered assets — the industry standard for litigation — compared to our flat Pillar pricing.
| Scenario | Assets at Risk | 25% Contingency | Brown Mgmt Fee | Beneficiary Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Heir Audit | $132,000 | $33,000 | $15,000 | $18,000 |
| IRA Tax Recovery (EA) | $47,000 | $11,750 | $4,600 | $7,150 |
| High-Conflict Property Sale | $629,000 | $157,250 | $12,500 | $144,750 |
| Full Estate (All Three) | $808,000 | $202,000 | $32,100 | $169,900 |
Figures based on documented recoveries. Past results inform but do not predict future outcomes. All fees subject to court approval in supervised matters.
For Families & Individuals
We believe in transparent, predictable pricing. After our initial Fiduciary Risk & Complexity Assessment, we'll provide you with a fair, fixed annual fee for our services. This fee is based on the unique complexity of your situation, considering factors like the number of assets and the family dynamics involved.
There are no surprise bills, and you'll always know what to expect. Our commitment is to deliver at least $9 in value for every $1 in fees, and we provide regular reports to show you exactly how we're doing that.
How We Measure Value
We measure value across 5 Strategic Value Unit (SVU) categories:
Cost Reduction
Money saved through negotiation, tax planning, and efficiency
Revenue Generation
Income increased through asset management and strategic planning
Risk Mitigation
Losses avoided through proactive risk management
Time Savings
Faster resolution compared to traditional timelines
Relationship Enhancement
Family harmony maintained through expert mediation
Every quarter, you'll receive an IMPACT Report showing exactly how much value we've delivered in each category.
For Referral Partners
Attorneys, CPAs, and Financial Advisors
Our billing model is designed for clarity and defensibility. We use a proprietary system to generate a **Complexity Score** for each case, which then determines a predictable annual fee. This data-driven approach ensures that our fees are always aligned with the resources required, protecting both your client and our firm.
We also provide detailed reporting that demonstrates a consistent 9:1 value-to-fee ratio, giving you the confidence to refer your clients to a firm that can systematically prove its value.
Why Professionals Choose Brown Management
Defensible Fees
Complexity Score provides objective, data-driven fee justification
Transparent Reporting
Quarterly IMPACT Reports show measurable value delivered
Faster Timelines
Technology-enhanced workflows complete 60% faster
Fee Clarity
Fixed annual fees mean complete predictability from day one
Professional Collaboration
Regular updates and seamless coordination with your team
Licensed Expertise
EA, CLPF #790 credentials with 15+ years experience
For the Court
Our fees are based on a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of the case's complexity. We utilize a proprietary system to calculate a **Complexity Score** based on objective factors such as asset complexity and potential for conflict.
This Complexity Score determines a fixed annual fee, which provides the court with a predictable and defensible billing structure. We also provide detailed task-level reporting and value analysis to demonstrate that our fees are reasonable and that we consistently deliver value far in excess of our compensation.
The Two Models: A Comparison
Dossier v22.6
The External Framework
CORE
$10,000 - $20,000
Examples:
- • Probate: $500K estate = $13K statutory
- • Trust (Ongoing): $1M × 1.25% = $12.5K/year
- • Trust (Liquidating): $750K × 1.75% = $13.1K
- • Conservatorship: 40-65 hrs × $450/hr = $18K-$29.25K
PREMIUM
$20,000 - $50,000
Examples:
- • Probate: $2M estate = $33K statutory
- • Trust (Ongoing): $3M = $36.25K/year
- • Trust (Liquidating): $2M × 1.75% = $35K
- • Conservatorship: 65-165 hrs = $19.5K-$49.5K
ELITE
$50,000+
Examples:
- • Probate: $5M estate = $73K statutory
- • Trust (Ongoing): $5M = $56.25K/year
- • Trust (Liquidating): $4M = $62.5K
- • Conservatorship: 165+ hrs = $49.5K+
Strengths
- • Simple for clients to understand
- • Aligns with industry standards
- • Easy to market
Weaknesses
- • Less precise for complex cases
- • Can lead to under/over-billing
Sovereign OS v3.0
The Internal Engine
Complexity Level Score™ (CLS)
An 8-dimension, 0–100 normalized score produced by the Sovereign Case Diagnostic™ that classifies every engagement into STANDARD (0–39), ELEVATED (40–69), or CRITICAL (70–100) before a fee is quoted. Dimensions include Estate Size, Beneficiary Conflict, Legal & Tax Complexity, Geographic Dispersion, Litigation Risk, Asset Diversity, Timeline Constraints, and Human Entropy.
Task Value Score™ (TVS)
A per-task scoring formula (Complexity × Risk × Recovery Leverage) that assigns every task to the correct staff level and billing rate. Ensures the right person at the right rate handles each task — eliminating billing for inefficiency.
Strengths
- • Highly precise and data-driven
- • Defensible and auditable
- • Optimizes for profitability and quality
Weaknesses
- • Too complex for most clients
- • Can be difficult to market
The Blended Model: Step-by-Step
Intake & Complexity Score Calculation
A new client inquiry is received. ADA (GEM-CIO) conducts the initial intake and calculates the Complexity Score.
Example:
Estate Size: 3 + Beneficiaries: 3 + Legal/Tax: 2 + Geographic: 2 + Litigation: 2 + Timeline: 2
Complexity Score = 14 points
Complexity Score to Annual Fee & Tier Assignment
ADA uses the Complexity Score to determine the Annual Base Fee from the Sovereign OS schedule, then maps it to the appropriate Dossier v22.6 Tier.
| Complexity Score Range | Annual Fee Range | v22.6 Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 6 - 10 | $10,000 - $32,000 | CORE |
| 11 - 18 | $32,000 - $65,000 | PREMIUM |
| 19 - 30 | $65,000 - $150,000+ | ELITE |
Example (Complexity Score 14):
$3M ongoing trust: ($2.5M × 1.25%) + ($500K × 1.00%) = $36,250/year
Assigned Tier: PREMIUM
Fee Presentation to Client
The assigned tier and fee are presented to the client using the Dossier v22.6 framework for clarity and familiarity.
"Based on our Sovereign Case Diagnostic™, your case has been assigned to ourELEVATED tier (score 40–69, indicative range $26,000–$75,000). For your $3M ongoing trust, the fee is calculated as: ($2.5M × 1.25%) + ($500K × 1.00%) = $36,250/year, with an $800/month minimum advance reconciled annually."
Internal Task Management & Billing
Once the client agrees, JEFF (GEM-22) creates and routes tasks using the Task Value Score™ (TVS) — a Complexity × Risk × Recovery Leverage formula. Each task is billed at the appropriate rate ($95/hr–$525/hr) based on its TVS score.
Internal Reconciliation:
- • The Complexity Score-driven annual fee serves as the budget for the engagement
- • The TVS-driven task billing provides the actual cost
- • This allows for precise profitability tracking and ensures the firm remains on budget
Service-Specific Applications
Conservatorships
Challenge: High Human Entropy and frequent court reporting.
Complexity Score Calculation: Higher Human Entropy score results in higher Complexity Score and annual fee.
Fee Presentation: Fixed annual amount provides predictability for court and family.
TVS & Billing: Routine court filings handled by lower-cost team members, strategic decisions by Principal.
Trusts
Challenge: Wide range of Asset Complexity, from simple living trusts to complex dynasty trusts.
Complexity Score Calculation: Asset Complexity score is the primary driver of Complexity Score and annual fee.
Fee Presentation: AUM-based language of ELEVATED and CRITICAL tiers aligns well with traditional trust administration fees.
SVU & Value: SVU system demonstrates value through tax planning, asset management, and strategic trust administration.
Decedent Estates (Probate)
Challenge: Court-supervised cases requiring high transparency and accountability.
Complexity Score & Predictability: Complexity Score-driven annual fee provides the court with a predictable and defensible fee structure.
TVS & Transparency: TVS system provides detailed breakdown of all tasks for court accountings.
9:1 Value Ratio: Demonstrates value delivered to the estate and justifies fees to the court.
Try the Complexity Score Calculator
Get an instant estimate of your Complexity Level Score and tier
Quick Estimate Only. This tool gives you a directional score based on 6 self-reported dimensions. Your official 0–100 Complexity Score is delivered by the Sovereign Case Diagnostic™ — an 8-question, AI-weighted forensic filter that routes your case to the right engagement tier.
Quick Complexity Estimate
Get a directional score in 2 minutes — no contact required
How large and diverse are the assets?
Under $500K, single property, basic accounts
$500K-$1M, primary residence, retirement accounts
$1M-$3M, multiple properties, investment accounts
$3M-$10M, business interests, multi-state properties
$10M+, private equity, international assets, complex trusts
How many beneficiaries and how complex are the relationships?
1-2 beneficiaries, harmonious family, no disputes
2-3 beneficiaries, cooperative family, minor disagreements
3-5 beneficiaries, some tension, occasional disputes
5-8 beneficiaries, significant disputes, poor communication
8+ beneficiaries, litigation threats, complete breakdown
How complex are the legal and tax issues?
Standard will, no tax issues, straightforward distribution
Basic trust, minimal tax planning, clear instructions
Multiple trusts, estate tax planning, some ambiguity
Complex trusts, significant tax issues, contested provisions
Multiple jurisdictions, international tax, litigation pending
How spread out are the assets and beneficiaries?
Single county, all assets and beneficiaries local
Single state, assets and beneficiaries within California
Multi-state, assets or beneficiaries in 2-3 states
National, assets or beneficiaries in 4+ states
International, assets or beneficiaries in multiple countries
What is the risk of legal disputes or challenges?
No disputes, all parties agree, clear documentation
Minor disagreements, likely to resolve amicably
Some disputes, may require mediation or court intervention
Active disputes, attorneys involved, court filings likely
Litigation pending or threatened, hostile parties
How urgent or time-sensitive is the administration?
No urgency, standard timeline acceptable (24+ months)
Some flexibility, prefer faster resolution (18-24 months)
Moderate urgency, need timely resolution (12-18 months)
High urgency, need fast resolution (6-12 months)
Critical urgency, immediate action required (under 6 months)
Three Payments. Four Channels. One Transparent System.
Every Brown Management engagement follows the same three-cadence structure — Upfront, Periodic, and Completion Bonus — with terminology calibrated to each client channel and audience.
| Cadence | DTC Families & Beneficiaries | B2B Attorneys & CPAs | B2G Government Agencies | B2Corporate Banks & Trust Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Upfront At engagement start | Engagement Retainer Advance on fees securing case priority and initial forensic review. Applied to first billing cycle. | Referral Engagement Deposit Paid by referring attorney's client at intake. Confirms case acceptance and activates the Sovereign Case Diagnostic™. | Mobilization Fee Standard government contract mobilization payment covering onboarding, compliance setup, and initial agency assessment. Aligns with FAR 52.232-32. | Onboarding & Transition Fee One-time fee covering portfolio transition, custodian coordination, and fiduciary onboarding documentation for institutional handoff. |
Periodic Monthly / quarterly | Monthly Administration Fee Hourly billing (conservatorship), AUM-based fee (trust), or statutory fee (probate per PC §10800). Invoiced monthly with itemized TVS™ task log. | Hourly / AUM / Statutory Billing Billing method follows matter type. Referral partners receive quarterly IMPACT Reports documenting SVU™ delivered and value-to-fee ratio. | Base Service Fee Fixed monthly or quarterly fee per contract SOW. Covers ongoing fiduciary oversight, compliance reporting, and Sovereign OS™ case management. Invoiced per agency net-30 terms. | AUM-Based Management Fee Tiered annual fee (0.65%–1.75% of AUM) billed quarterly. Aligned with institutional trust fee schedules and OCC fiduciary standards. |
Completion Bonus At close / milestone | Documented Completion Bonus SVU™-documented extraordinary services petition filed with the court at case close (PC §10801). Justified by IMPACT Report evidence of measurable estate benefit. | Extraordinary Compensation (PC §10801) Court-petitioned fee for services beyond routine administration. Supported by the SVU™ IMPACT Report and Hormozi ROI table. Attorneys receive co-counsel documentation package. | Performance Milestone Payment Incentive fee tied to documented outcomes — clawback recovery, compliance certification, audit clearance. Structured per FAR Part 16.4 incentive fee provisions. | Success Fee / Incentive Compensation Performance-based fee triggered at portfolio resolution, litigation settlement, or estate close. Standard in institutional trust and investment management agreements. |
Families & Beneficiaries
Retainer → Monthly Admin Fee → Documented Completion Bonus. Total cost certainty from day one. Every fee is court-disclosed and SVU™-documented.
Attorneys & CPAs
Referral Deposit → Hourly/AUM/Statutory → PC §10801 Petition. Referral partners receive quarterly IMPACT Reports and co-counsel documentation packages.
Government Agencies
Mobilization Fee → Base Service Fee → Performance Milestone Payment. FAR-compliant incentive structure tied to clawback recovery and audit clearance outcomes.
Banks & Trust Companies
Onboarding Fee → AUM Management Fee → Success Fee. OCC-aligned fee schedule with institutional documentation standards and quarterly SVU™ reporting.
California Fiduciary Compliance
Our billing model is fully compliant with California Professional Fiduciaries Act, California Rules of Court, and California Probate Code.
Reasonable Compensation
CA Rules of Court, Rule 7.703 Compliant
Our Complexity Score system systematically addresses all 6 factors for determining reasonable compensation:
- ✓ Gross value of the estate
- ✓ Success in administration
- ✓ Complexity of the estate
- ✓ Skill and experience required
- ✓ Time and labor required
- ✓ Character of the work
Fee Disclosure
BPC § 6563 Compliant
Website displays STANDARD/ELEVATED/CRITICAL tiers with principal rate ($395/hr standard, $525/hr extraordinary) and AUM percentages (0.65%–1.75%). Fee schedules provided to all prospective clients.
Record Keeping
BPC § 6560 Exceeds Compliance
Immutable, auditable record of every task, decision, and communication. Automated reporting and on-demand access to all case data for radical transparency.
Reasonable Compensation
Probate Code § 15681 Compliant
Data-driven, objective assessment ensures fees are always reasonable. Systematically addresses all court factors for conservatorships, guardianships, and trusts.
Strategic Advantages of Compliance
Defensibility in Court
Objective data, detailed records, and quantifiable value shift the conversation from subjective opinion to objective evidence.
Enhanced Trust
Referral partners can confidently refer clients knowing fees are transparent, defensible, and value-oriented.
Client Satisfaction
Predictability, transparency, and fairness lead to higher client satisfaction and a stronger reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you determine the complexity of my case?
We look at two main factors: the complexity of the assets (things like the number of properties, business interests, and financial accounts) and the complexity of the human element (the number of beneficiaries and the potential for conflict). Our system analyzes these factors to determine a fair and objective complexity score.
Is your fee based on a percentage of assets?
For some very complex cases, we may use a percentage of assets as a guide, but our primary model is a fixed annual fee based on the case's unique complexity. This ensures you're not overpaying for a simple case with high-value assets.
What if the complexity of my case changes?
We review the complexity of every case on a quarterly basis. If there's a significant change (for example, a lawsuit is filed or a major asset is sold), we'll discuss any potential fee adjustments with you in advance. Our goal is always transparency and predictability.
How do you prove your 9:1 value-to-fee ratio — documented across five SVU categories?
We track the value we create across 5 Strategic Value Unit™ (SVU) categories: Cost Reduction, Revenue Generation, Risk Mitigation, Time Savings, and Relationship Enhancement. We provide quarterly IMPACT Reports that detail the SVU delivered in each category — the quantified basis for our 9:1 value-to-fee ratio — documented across five SVU categories. Critically, each SVU entry also serves as court-admissible evidence of measurable benefit to the estate, which is the evidentiary foundation for extraordinary compensation petitions under California Probate Code §10801.
Do you use AI or technology in your work?
Yes. We use proprietary technology (Cyber Fiduciary OS™) to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. All work is performed under the direct supervision of licensed professionals (Keenan Brown, EA, CLPF #790), with human review and approval of all decisions. This technology allows us to deliver results 60% faster than traditional firms while maintaining the highest standards of care.
Who will be working on my case?
Your case will be assigned to a team based on its complexity. All team members hold Bachelor's degrees or higher, and all work is supervised by our licensed Principal (Keenan Brown, EA, CLPF #790). Our team includes Lead Financial Specialists, Financial Operations Specialists, and IT & Technology Managers, ensuring you receive expert attention at every complexity level.
How long does the process take?
Our technology-enhanced workflows complete administrations 60% faster than traditional firms. Conservatorships typically take 18-24 months (vs. 36+ months traditional), trusts are administered on an ongoing annual basis, and probate typically takes 12-15 months (vs. 18-24 months traditional). Your specific timeline will be provided during your Fiduciary Risk & Complexity Assessment.
How do I pay your fees?
We offer flexible payment options: annual payment (pay the full annual fee upfront), quarterly payments (pay 1/4 of the annual fee each quarter), or monthly advances (minimum $800/month, reconciled annually). All payment plans are discussed and agreed upon before we begin work.
What if I disagree with your fees?
Our Complexity Score system is designed to prevent fee disputes by providing objective, data-driven fee justification. However, if you have concerns, we'll review your Complexity Score and explain how it was calculated, provide detailed task-level reporting showing work performed, show your Quarterly IMPACT Report demonstrating value delivered, and if appropriate, adjust your tier based on changed circumstances. Our goal is always transparency and fairness.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. We offer a free Fiduciary Risk & Complexity Assessment to assess your situation and provide a transparent fee estimate. During the Fiduciary Risk & Complexity Assessment, we'll calculate your Complexity Score across 6 dimensions, determine your tier and annual fee range, explain our process and answer your questions, and provide a written fee proposal (no obligation).
The Best of Both Worlds
By blending the Dossier v22.6 and Sovereign OS v3.0 billing models, Brown Management delivers:
Externally
A simple, familiar, and marketable fee structure that clients can easily understand and trust.
Internally
A data-driven, precise, and profitable system for fee calculation and task management.
This unified approach provides the perfect balance of marketing simplicity and operational precision, allowing us to scale confidently while delivering exceptional value to every client.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Schedule your free Fiduciary Risk & Complexity Assessment today to learn your Complexity Score and get a transparent fee estimate.
Schedule Free Fiduciary Risk & Complexity AssessmentQuestions? Call us at (714) 406-6622 or email [email protected]