What records should a trustee keep?

A trustee should keep records of assets, account statements, income, expenses, distributions, communications, tax filings, and professional advice.

Good records protect the trustee and help beneficiaries understand what happened.

Trust administration is much easier when the trustee treats the role like a serious job rather than a family favor scribbled on a napkin.

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