Most people feel honored when they are tapped to serve as trustee of a family trust. It’s an important leadership position as well as a powerful role in managing a family’s wealth. The trustee also has significant influence over the long-term well-being of the beneficiaries. It is a role that is not to be taken lightly. The responsibility is significant, and there’s a lot more to the job than meets the eye. Here are eight things every trustee must know:

1. Be prepared to take legal ownership of all assets of the trust
   The trustee is recognized as the legal owner and protector of the assets even though the trust is for the benefit of others.
2. Expect to manage the assets of the trust whether they are securities, properties, or businesses
   Trustees can be responsible for securities, but they also may be the “owner” of real estate, collectibles, or operating businesses that may need critical attention after a benefactor’s death, especially if they had been closely managed by the deceased. 
3. Understand how to implement an investment and distribution approach that serves the best interests of current and future beneficiaries
   In addition to observing the prudent investor rule, you need to balance the production of current income for distributions against long term growth for the longevity of the trust and future generations.
4. Report on the value of the trust to the beneficiaries
   Keeping beneficiaries apprised of the value and contents of the trust, as long as they are of sufficient age, is part of the trustee’s fiduciary duty and part of the relationship building process with beneficiaries. 
5. Document your decisions to demonstrate a defensible thought process in the event something turns out badly and you need to justify your actions
   In managing a trust, everything will not go perfectly. Markets swoon and investments go sour. Even in a family situation, litigation is all too common. It’s critical to have documentation of your decision process to demonstrate a reasonable basis for decisions in the event a defense is necessary. 
6. Educate the beneficiaries on the purpose of the trust and what to expect in terms of distributions and involvement in the business of the trust
   The trustee is in a critical role of helping shape the attitude of the beneficiaries and helping them reach purposeful adulthood without developing a sense of entitlement. 
7. Develop a “best of breed” team of advisors to assist you in fulfilling your obligations as trustee
   In the multi-year course of a trusteeship, the trustee and beneficiaries will have need for financial and legal advice as well as other counselors, coaches, and advisors. An effective trustee will develop a network of supporting players to be available when needed. 
8. Arrange to file all tax returns and other compliance obligations
   As might be expected, the annual tax filings and quarterly estimate payments must be made as well as state regulatory filings in some states.

When you are approached to be named trustee, make sure to seek as much education as possible in advance. Talk to your attorney and check out other options to get thorough training for what lies ahead. Remember, a prepared trustee is an effective trustee.