CHOOSING A TRUSTEE

1.  Temperament: Avoid choosing a trustee who is overly emotional, confrontational, or dogmatic.

2.  Cost: Professional trustees may charge fees, but they can provide value by managing assets effectively.

3.  Number of Trustees: Consider having more than one trustee to share decision-making and responsibility. Too many trustees can become cumbersome.

4.  Stability: Choose a trustee who can commit to the long-term responsibilities of managing the trust.

5.  Financial Acumen: The trustee should have the ability to manage investments and spending wisely for the beneficiaries' current and future needs.

6.  Organization: A trustee must be well-organized to meet all responsibilities, such as making distributions and filing tax returns.

7.  Personal Touch: Consider the personal relationship between the trustee and beneficiaries, as working with an institution can sometimes be impersonal and distant.

Each client's decision should be based on their unique situation, including the available family members and friends, the trust's longevity, and asset management. A combination of a professional trustee for administrative tasks and a family member for personal involvement may be a good option.