Navigating Trustee and Executor Responsibilities: Best Practices and Pitfalls

When asked to be a family member’s trustee or executor, it’s easy to immediately say yes out of love and a sense of duty. It’s just some paperwork, right? How hard could it be? At Absolute Trust Counsel, we’ve seen the struggles trustees and executors face, particularly when they are family members. The role involves a heavy workload, significant responsibility, and the meticulous task of bookkeeping—often the most daunting part.

It’s easy to overlook these critical aspects, which is why our goal for this episode of Absolute Trust Talk is to ensure you’re fully informed. Whether you’re currently serving as a trustee or executor, planning to take on the role, or considering appointing someone yourself, this episode is not to be missed.

Time-stamped Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

0:40 Jessica begins by explaining the nuanced differences between a trustee and an executor, clarifying the roles of executor and administrator in this context.

1:50 Common misunderstandings arise about family members appointed as trustees or executors, particularly the amount of work involved.

3:22 Jessica highlights the significant level of responsibility that trustees and executors must shoulder.

4:40 While the workload and responsibility are critical, there’s one particular challenge that stands out above the rest. Here’s what you need to know.

7:12 We conclude by encouraging all trustees and executors to take these lessons to heart, ensuring they are fully prepared for their roles.