Selecting The Proper Trustee Is A Vital Part Of Estate Planning
In selecting a trustee, you are selecting the individual who will ensure your trust is executed according to your wishes. In many situations, the first choice will be a family member such as a spouse or child.
However, there are situations where appointing a family member either is not an option or is not in the best interests of those involved. For such situations, the creator of the trust may consider appointing a trustee of professional fiduciary, or professional trustee. At Barulich Dugoni Suttmann & Cummins Law Group, Inc.., our attorneys serve as professional trustees for clients in select situations.
When A Professional Trustee Could Be To Your Benefit
When selecting a trustee, you will want to consider whether the individual possesses strong organizational and decision-making skills, is in good health, has the right temperament and is financially competent, among other traits.
Tasking a family member with the responsibility of administering your estate is almost always ideal. However, there are several situations in which a professional trustee could be to your benefit, including:
- If you have a complex or larger estate
- If family members lack good dynamics
- If the original trustee can no longer fulfill their duties
While it may not be your first choice, should your original trustee be unable to continue, a professional trustee may be selected as a successor trustee.
Duties Of A Professional Trustee
When selected as professional trustees, we administer the trust in the role of the decision-maker, rather than as the lawyer of the decision-maker. Our goal is to give you peace of mind in knowing that your trust assets are in responsible, knowledgeable hands.
As trustees or professional fiduciaries, our attorneys are efficient in administering the estate and work closely with other professionals to ensure each step of the process is executed smoothly. We pride ourselves on the clear and concise information we provide to all involved throughout the trust administration process and upon its conclusion.
Additionally, the trust administration process can be draining and combative, even with a professional trustee. Our trust attorneys work to be sensitive to the family dynamics and needs of all involved.
Discuss Your Options With An Experienced Trust Attorney
Learn more about the professional trustee services we offer and whether we could be a good fit by scheduling an appointment at our Burlingame, California office. Contact us by calling 650-292-2900 or by reaching out to us online.