Trustee: A Tough Job Hiding Behind Good Intentions
Every advisor has heard it before: "We're naming my brother" — or "Aunt Sue will handle it." It feels personal. Familiar. Safe.
But here's the reality: fiduciary litigators will tell anyone who listens — when it's time for the trust document to be executed, individual trustees are rarely prepared. They're overwhelmed by legal jargon, lost in tax filings, and entirely unprepared for what happens when real family money collides with real family dynamics.
Being a trustee is more than just a title. It's a demanding job — one that requires recordkeeping, fiduciary liability management, IRS compliance, investment monitoring, and complex distribution strategies tied to legal obligations. Often, the people your clients consider will have never done it before.
It isn't just a planning problem — it's a reputation risk because one poorly chosen trustee can unravel everything: the family harmony, the estate plan, and yes, even your relationship with the client. We've seen it happen time and time again.
We want to help you protect your top clients and have built a concise, powerful set of slides to do so. This deck is specifically designed for your top 3% — clients with estates over $7 million — and walks them through what being a trustee truly requires. It's an easy way to help them avoid costly mistakes, protect their legacy, and reinforce your role as their trusted advisor.
You already safeguard your client's futures every day. Why not help them protect their decision-making — and your relationship too?
Turning growth into a full harvest!
Christopher Holtby - Principal, Business Development Manager
Disclosures Please be advised that nothing in this newsletter may be interpreted as legal advice specific to any one individual or situation. For specific recommendations that pertain to you, it’s best to consult with a legal advisor.
