How do I choose a trustee to manage a trust after I die?

Pick someone trustworthy, organized, financially responsible, and impartial, because a trustee has legal duties to act in the beneficiaries' best interest and can be held liable for mistakes. Many people name a capable adult child, a trusted relative, or a friend. But if the trust is large, long-lasting, or the beneficiaries might squabble, a professional trustee (a bank trust department or trust company) can bring expertise and neutrality, for a fee.

Consider co-trustees to pair a family member's knowledge with a professional's administration, and always name a successor in case your first choice can't serve. For special needs or blended-family trusts, professional help reduces conflict. The trustee will handle investing, distributions, taxes, and recordkeeping, sometimes for decades, so choose deliberately.