Are you a Trustee?
Have you been notified that you are a Trustee? If so, you are undoubtedly wondering what your duties and responsibilities will be during the lifetime of the Trust. So, what do Trustees do? This article will define the basics.
The Trustor (the person who establishes the Trust) will appoint the Trustee.
Ideally, the Trustor will discuss the appointment with the prospective Trustee at the time the Trust is created; however, that does not always occur. Sometimes, the appointment comes as a complete surprise to the Trustee. If you have been notified recently that you are a Trustee, you are undoubtedly wondering what your duties and responsibilities will be over the lifetime of the Trust.
Trust Basics
First, it helps to understand the basic concept behind a Trust. A Trust is a relationship whereby property is held by one party for the benefit of another. A Trust is created by a “Trustor”, also referred to as a “Grantor” or “Maker,” who transfers property into the Trust. The Trust is managed by a Trustee who holds that property for the beneficiaries of the Trust. Trusts were once used primarily by wealthy families as a way to avoid taxes and retain a certain degree of control when passing down family wealth. However, Trusts are now an integral part of any estate plan.
Trustee Basics
Although Trusts come in many forms and can accomplish a wide variety of estate planning goals, all Trusts require a few basic elements. One of those is a Trustee. A Trustee may be an individual or an entity, such as a bank, law firm, or professional corporation. A Trust should also appoint a Successor Trustee and/or provide provisions for appointing one in the event the original Trustee is unwilling or unable to serve.
If you were recently notified that you are a Trustee, your first task is to find out whether you are the current Trustee or the Successor Trustee. A Successor Trustee has no obligations until the current Trustee resigns, dies, or becomes incapacitated at some point. If one of those three events happens, the terms of the Trust should include a provision explaining what you need to do in order to take over the position of Trustee.
Duties and Responsibilities
As the Trustee, your job is to administer the Trust’s terms and manage the Trust’s assets. Think of the Trust as a corporation and the Trustee as its CEO.
As Trustee, you have a number of important duties and responsibilities, including:
- Communicate with beneficiaries – You have a responsibility to communicate with all beneficiaries of the Trust and keep them informed regarding Trust business.
- Fiduciary duty – You owe a fiduciary duty to all present and future beneficiaries of the Trust. It is important that you understand that fiduciary duty means you must use the utmost care with Trust assets and investments. A good tip – be more cautious than you would be with your own money.
- Duty to follow the “prudent investor” or other applicable standard – The “prudent investor standard” requires you to take a conservative approach when investing Trust assets. Do not invest in risky or speculative investments. Always consider what is in the best interest of current and future beneficiaries.
- Follow Trust terms – You need a clear understanding of the Trust’s terms created by the Trustor. As a general rule, you must follow and abide by those terms unless they are illegal or unconscionable. Your personal opinion regarding the terms cannot interfere in your administration.
- Distribute assets – The Trust’s terms will dictate how the Trust assets are to be distributed. You must make the distributions accordingly. Sometimes, the Trustor gives the Trustee discretionary powers with regard to making distributions. In that case, you must consider the Trustor’s intent and the best interest of the beneficiaries.
- Prepare and pay taxes – A Trust is a separate legal entity, so a separate tax return must be filed for the Trust each year. It is the Trustee’s responsibility to prepare and file state and/or federal tax returns each year.
- Recordkeeping – You must keep detailed records of all Trust business, including accounting records.
- Know the law – In Illinois, we reccommend a review of the Illinois Trust Code.
Conclusion
The fact that someone appointed you as a Trustee indicates that a considerable amount of Trust and confidence has been placed in you and your abilities. Administering a Trust, however, can become a complex and time-consuming endeavor.
Need an Attorney?
Be sure to work closely with an experienced estate planning attorney. This is so you have guidance on the legal aspects of your duties and responsibilities.
Click HERE to contact our firm to schedule your free 90-minute consultation. We would be happy to guide you.
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