The trustee you select is the key decision to assure your trust will serve your beneficiaries well. California law imposes a variety of duties and responsibilities on your trustee. For instance, a trustee is supposed to serve a 120 day notice on trust beneficiaries after the settlor's death. In addition, certain notices are required when an accounting is provided. In general, the trustee must act diligently and avoid conflicts of interest and self-dealing. The trustee has a duty to keep the beneficiaries informed of the progress of the trust administration. Your trustee will have complex and demanding duties such as:
- Managing the trust’s investments and distributing its assets
- Balancing the (sometimes conflicting) interests of multiple beneficiaries
- Accounting and record keeping
- Protecting trust assets
- Managing personal financial affairs
- Complying with your intentions, as well as current trust laws
- Making tax-related decisions
- Paying trust expenses
The Qualities to Look for in Your Trustee
A trustee requires integrity, judgement, and the ability to command your (and your beneficiaries’) respect and confidence. You need to consider whether the trustee:- Will be available to serve and willing to continue throughout the term of the trust
- Has no conflict of interest and holds no bias towards any beneficiary
- Is diligent and organized
- Does candidate have experience managing trusts like yours?
- Is candidate knowledgeable and experienced about investments, real estate, accounting, tax law and planning, record keeping, and reporting? If not, will have to associate with/hire professionals