A trust protector is a fiduciary, separate from the trustee, whose role is to ensure that the trust’s purposes are being satisfied. Toward that end, he/she can be given the power to remove and replace a trustee, to amend trust agreement if the terms no longer carry out the grantor’s intent or to achieve tax objectives, and to change the situs of the trust. Consider designating a trust protector for longer term trusts, such as trusts that may continue for more than one generation. If you choose to use a trust protector, the role of the trust protector and his/her powers should be carefully spelled out in the trust instrument.

It's also important to be aware of the potential fiduciary liability complications that can arise when using a trust protector, though they are beyond the scope of this gallery.

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Notwithstanding a grantor’s wishes, all beneficiaries are entitled to a copy of the trust agreement as a matter of law. Clients should consider spelling out in the trust instrument the frequency of the trustee’s reporting to current income beneficiaries and what information they are entitled to receive from the trustee. Also, keep in mind that in most jurisdictions, remainder beneficiaries are entitled to be kept reasonably informed about the administration of the trust and of the material facts necessary to protect their interests.

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