Why You Should Consider the Relationship Between Your Heirs and an Appointed Trustee

Why You Should Consider the Relationship Between Your Heirs and an Appointed Trustee

If you determine that the best way to leave your assets to beneficiaries is via a trust that will help keep matters out of probate, there is still something vital to consider. What is the relationship between your heirs and the person (or persons) you are appointing as a trustee? Obviously, a better relationship will make things easier on those who are to inherit your estate. 

What Does a Trustee Do? 

When the trustor passes away, the trustee is in charge of keeping the trust safe and making appropriate distributions to any beneficiaries. So there are a few things to consider when appointing a trustee: 

• Is this person trustworthy enough to carry out your wishes? 
• Does the trustee have sufficient ability to handle this responsibility?  
• Will the trustee’s relationship with the beneficiary help or hinder the proper distribution of the trust? 

Of course, planning your trust properly can also help the process along, even if there is some disputing between the trustee and beneficiary. However, you can minimize how much of the trust ends up going toward administration costs by selecting the right person – someone who has the ability to care for the trust and the desire to do what is best for the beneficiary.  

Help for Creating Trusteeships in San Diego, California  

If you live in California and need advice or help in creating a trust, the estate planning attorneys at Petrov Law Firm will be happy to assist you. To learn more, call our San Diego and Chula Vista attorneys at 619-344-0360.