Do not put off finalizing or signing your estate planning documents because you’re not yet sure who you want to name as trustee. You should speak directly with an experienced and knowledgeable estate planning lawyer about the best steps to approach this.

Choosing someone to manage your estate when you pass away is an important decision, but it is equally important who you choose to serve in the role of irrevocable trust trustee. This is because assets placed inside an irrevocable trust are removed from your personal ownership and fall under the discretion of the trustee. The trustee must adhere to the terms you have outlined in the trust and represent beneficiary’s best interests.

If you choose a friend or family member to serve in the role of trustee, they should be good with money and financially aware. You want someone who is at a bare minimum level familiar with the concept of investing and preferably someone who already has assets of their own that they are investing with the help of a financial professional. Many people like to start by considering family and friends as trustees because these individuals are most likely to be familiar with your personal goals and intentions.

However, this is not always the right choice, if the person that you select is unable to communicate effectively with beneficiaries or could potentially cause further problems. You need to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable estate planning lawyer before setting up a trust to ensure that it covers all of your individual intentions.