Posted on June 9th, 2026

In this blog:

A trustee should be someone who can manage money, records, deadlines, taxes, and family communication with care. A loved one can be the right person. The better choice depends on temperament, availability, financial habits, and the needs of the people who will benefit from the trust.

Choosing a trustee can feel surprisingly personal. You may have someone in mind because you love and trust them, or feel they would be hurt if you picked someone else. Those feelings are completely understandable, especially when estate planning already brings up difficult conversations people would rather avoid.

A trust is a legal arrangement that holds property for the benefit of certain people, called beneficiaries. The trustee is the person or institution responsible for managing what’s in the trust, following the trust’s instructions, keeping records, paying proper expenses, and making distributions when the trust allows. Depending on the plan, that role may come into play during your lifetime, after incapacity, after death, or across several years.

A Trustee Has a Job, Even When the Person Feels Like Family

A trustee is a fiduciary. That person has a legal duty to act in the interests of the beneficiaries and follow the trust’s terms. That can include keeping trust property separate, communicating with beneficiaries, tracking income and expenses, working with financial or tax professionals when appropriate, and making logical decisions instead of emotional ones.

That’s why the “sweetest” person in the family may be a loving choice, but a stressful trustee. A trustee may have to say no, explain delays, collect paperwork, deal with a frustrated sibling, sell property, or manage money for a beneficiary who wants access sooner than the trust allows. Affection helps, but organization, patience, and financial judgment also deserve a place in the conversation.

Love Is Personal. Trustee Selection Is Practical

A good trustee doesn’t need to be perfect, but they should be dependable. They should also have the time and emotional bandwidth to do the job required of them.

For some families, an adult child may be the right choice. For others, co-trustees, a trusted friend, or a professional trustee may fit better. Each option can bring benefits and drawbacks. Co-trustees may offer checks and balances, but they can also slow down decision-making if they disagree. A professional trustee may add structure, but fees and family comfort should be considered.

Make an Informed Choice, Then Put It in Writing

Trustee selection is an essential part of the process and should be treated with the respect it deserves. You’ve worked hard for what you’ve built, and you don’t want to have to worry about someone mismanaging assets you’ve set aside for a specific purpose. Dale Law Group helps Tennessee families create estate plans with clear instructions, practical guidance, and flat-fee convenience. To talk through trustee choices for your trust, call Dale Law Group at (615) 345-4234.

FAQ: Selecting a Trustee in Tennessee

• Can my adult child serve as trustee?

Yes, if they have the maturity, organization, and availability to handle the role. The choice can depend on family dynamics, the trust assets, and whether that child can treat all beneficiaries fairly.

• Can I name two trustees?

Yes, co-trustees may be an option. The trust should explain how decisions get made so shared authority doesn’t create delays.

• Can a trustee get help from professionals?

Yes. A trustee can work with attorneys, accountants, and financial professionals, and Tennessee law allows certain delegation when handled with reasonable care.