Years ago, I took over as trustee for my own parents.
My father asked me to step in while my mother was undergoing treatment for a serious illness. He was overwhelmed, and I was the obvious choice – I’m a board-certified estate planning attorney. Who better than me?
But I’ll never forget those first few months.
Even with all my training, there were nights I lay awake wondering if I’d transferred enough money into the right account. The health insurance company was looking for any reason to drop my mother’s coverage. One missed payment, and we’d be in serious trouble.
Making investment decisions felt different when it was my parents’ money – not a client’s. I didn’t always know what my father would want. And coordinating with family while everyone was stressed? Harder than I expected.
If I struggled – with all my background – what happens to someone without that experience? That’s when I realized: naming a trustee is just the beginning. Preparing them is what matters.
Today, when we help clients select a trustee, we don’t just ask “who.” We ask “are they ready?” And if not, we help make sure they will be.