Trust Lawyer in Houston Answers, “What is a Trustee?”

When you work with a trust lawyer in Houston to set up a trust, you will be asked to name a trustee. Before you can select someone for this important job, you need to fully understand the role and responsibilities this person will be given.

A trustee is the person who will manage the assets that are in your trust. Many people choose to be their own trustee and can continue to manage their affairs as normal. Married couples can be named co-trustees. In that case, when one dies, the other can continue to make financial decisions without any other legal steps needed.

You can also name a successor trustee. A successor trustee is the person who will take over your decision-making if you (or the co-trustee) are no longer able to do so. In some cases, several successor trustees are named in case the previous one is unable to serve. In other cases, people choose to select two or more adult children who will act together. Some people choose a completely unbiased corporate trustee, usually a bank or trust company, who will take over decision-making.

The following list contains some of the responsibilities that are required of a trustee:

• Make decisions regarding assets in your trust. This typically involves managing the trust investments, property and making decisions that are in the best interest of the trust beneficiaries. Assets must also be managed according to the terms of the trust and governing law.
• Keep detailed records for all of the trust transactions.  All transactions need to be accounted for by maintaining a record of receipts and other documentation.
• Comply with all federal and state law requirements. It is critical that a trustee follows the terms of the trust documents and the trust creator’s instructions. Additionally, a trustee is responsible for complying with federal and state laws, meeting any reporting requirements, and filing federal and state taxes.

Administering a trust is often complicated and confusing. The trustee not only has to manage the details of the trust, they are also dealing with emotions and conflicts that can arise among the beneficiaries of the trust. That is why many trustees contact us to assist. We can help you avoid all of this by walking you through the entire trust administration process. Doing so will relieve you of tremendous stress and might help you avoid litigation brought on by unhappy beneficiaries.