Choosing a successor trustee is one of the most important decisions you make when creating a living trust.
A question we often hear is whether multiple children should serve together as co-trustees.
The answer depends on your family.
Some parents appreciate naming all of their children equally because it reflects fairness and allows everyone to participate in important decisions. For families with strong communication and mutual trust, this arrangement may work well.
In other situations, appointing one trustee may make administration simpler. Every decision, document, and financial transaction does not require coordination between multiple people, which can help the process move more efficiently.
There is no universal answer.
Every family has different relationships, personalities, and circumstances. What works well for one family may create unnecessary challenges for another.
During the estate planning process, we talk through these decisions with our clients. We discuss the practical responsibilities of serving as a trustee and help you evaluate which approach best fits your family’s needs.
The goal is not simply to choose someone you trust. It is to create a plan that will function smoothly when your family needs it most.
FAQs
Can more than one child serve as trustee?
Yes. A living trust can name multiple co-trustees if that arrangement fits your family’s circumstances.
Is it better to name one trustee or multiple trustees?
It depends on your family, the complexity of your estate, and how well your chosen trustees are likely to work together.
Can I choose a child who lives in another state?
Often, yes. Many trustees successfully administer trusts while living outside California.
Will my attorney help me decide who should serve?
Yes. We discuss these decisions with every client and help evaluate the practical considerations involved.