Who should be my successor trustee?

Your successor trustee should be someone responsible, organized, honest, and capable of handling financial and family issues.

This may be an adult child, trusted family member, friend, professional fiduciary, bank, or trust company. The right choice depends on your family dynamics, the complexity of your assets, and whether your beneficiaries are likely to cooperate.

The best trustee is not always the oldest child or the person with the strongest opinion at Thanksgiving.

*Reviewed by Estate Planning Attorney Casey Connealy, Partner at Gaughan & Connealy Estate Planning Attorneys on June 23, 2026.