Choosing the right trustees and beneficiaries is one of the most important parts of creating a living trust.
These decisions determine who will manage your trust and who will inherit your assets — so it’s crucial to choose carefully.

What is a Trustee?

A trustee is the person (or institution) responsible for managing the trust’s assets according to your wishes.
They must act in the best interest of the beneficiaries and carry out the terms you set in your trust document.

✅ Manages trust assets
✅ Handles distribution of assets
✅ Carries out your instructions

How to Choose the Right Trustee

• Trustworthiness: Choose someone responsible, honest, and capable of handling financial matters.
• Availability: Make sure they’re willing and able to serve when needed.
• Financial Knowledge: Basic financial skills are a plus — especially for complex trusts.
• Objectivity: Sometimes a neutral third party (like a professional trustee) is better to avoid family conflicts.
• Backup Trustee: Always name a successor trustee in case your first choice can’t serve.

What is a Beneficiary?

A beneficiary is the person (or organization) that will receive assets from your trust.
You can name as many beneficiaries as you want — family members, friends, or charities.

✅ Receives specific gifts or shares of your estate
✅ Can inherit immediately or under specific conditions (like reaching a certain age)

How to Choose Beneficiaries

• Family and Loved Ones: Most people choose spouses, children, or grandchildren.
• Charities: You can also leave a portion of your estate to causes you care about.
• Conditions: You can set terms — for example, a grandchild receives funds only after graduating college.

Key Takeaways

✅ Trustees manage your trust — choose someone responsible and capable.
✅ Beneficiaries receive your assets — select who you want to inherit and under what conditions.
✅ Always name backup trustees and alternate beneficiaries to ensure your plan is carried out smoothly.
✅ Careful selection now protects your wishes and your loved ones’ future.

Need guidance on selecting the right trustees and beneficiaries?
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EZ Living Trust is a division of Strategic Choices Financial, Inc. Neither is a law firm and cannot provide legal or tax advice. The information on this site is for informational and educational purposes only.

Strategic Choices Financial, Inc, dba EZ Living Trust is registered as a Legal Document Assistant in Los Angeles County, CA #987456, and is licensed and bonded.