John Miller is a 55-year-old husband, father, and business owner in Florida. He’s worked hard
his whole life, building a comfortable life for his family and ensuring they have everything they
need. But recently, he started thinking about something he had put off for too long—estate
planning.
One night, after watching the news about a celebrity estate battle that left families fighting in
court for years, John turned to his wife and said, “I don’t want our kids dealing with anything
like that. We need to get our estate in order.”
The Big Question: Who Should Manage My Trust?
After meeting with an estate planning attorney, John and his wife realized that one of the most important decisions they had to make was who should manage their trust after he or she or both of them were gone. This person, known as a trustee, would be responsible for carrying out his wishes and ensuring the assets were distributed correctly. But choosing the right trustee isn’t as simple as picking a family member and calling it a day. John’s attorney walked them through the key qualities a trustee should have:
1. Trustworthiness Above All
A trustee will have full control over the assets in the trust, which means they must be honest and responsible. John immediately thought of his brother, Mike. While Mike was a great guy, he wasn’t always the most organized, and handling money wasn’t his strong suit.
2. Financial and Legal Knowledge
A trustee doesn’t need to be a lawyer or financial expert, but they should have a solid
understanding of managing money. Would they know how to handle investments? Pay
taxes? Work with professionals like accountants and attorneys?
John and his wife realized that while she was great at managing the household budget, she might
feel overwhelmed handling investments and legal paperwork, and quite frankly, she didn’t want
the additional responsibilities and time commitment.
3. The Ability to Stay Neutral
Family conflicts over money are common, and a trustee may have to make tough decisions that
not everyone agrees with. Could this person remain fair and avoid favoritism?
John and his wife thought about their two children—one was financially responsible, while the
other tended to be more impulsive. They didn’t want one child managing the trust and creating
potential family disputes.
4. Willingness to Serve
Being a trustee isn’t just an honorary title—it’s a job with responsibilities. John needed to choose someone who was willing to take on the role and handle everything from distributing assets to filing taxes and keeping records.
So, Who Did John Choose?
After thinking it over, John decided against naming a family member as trustee. Instead, he
chose a professional trustee—a Florida-based trust company. This ensured that his estate
would be handled by experts who wouldn’t be swayed by emotions or personal interests.
By selecting a professional trustee, John could rest easy knowing that his wishes would be
carried out exactly as he and his wife planned. His family would avoid unnecessary stress, and
his assets would be managed properly.
Making the Right Decision for Your Family
John’s story is one that many people can relate to. He and his wife had long conversations over what would happen if he passed first and if she passed first. Choosing who should manage your trust is a crucial step in estate planning, and it requires careful thought. Whether you pick a trusted family member, a close friend, or a professional trustee, the key is to choose wisely. If you’re starting your estate planning journey in Florida and need help choosing the right trustee, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With over 30 years of experience and more than 1,200 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ reviews, our team can help you make the best decisions for your family's future. Call us today at 239-939-0900 !