Why You Might Want a Trust Protector

Imagine you’ve set up a trust—a legally binding document that says how your money or property should be handled after you’re gone or if mental or physical illness makes it so you can’t manage it yourself. You’ve picked someone you trust (called a trustee) to follow the instructions in your trust. But what if something goes wrong? Maybe the trustee isn’t doing a good job, or the world changes in ways you didn’t expect—like new laws or family surprises. That’s where a trust protector comes in.

A trust protector is like a safety net for your trust. They’re someone you choose to keep an eye on things and step in if needed. Think of them as a backup helper who makes sure your wishes stay on track. Here’s why you might want one:

1. They Can Fix Problems

   
   

   Life isn’t perfect, and neither are people. If your trustee makes mistakes, forgets your rules, or even starts acting selfishly, a trust protector can jump in. They might have the power to replace the trustee or adjust the trust to fix the issue. Lawyers refer to this as a “fiduciary safeguard.”

2. They Handle Unexpected Changes

   
   

   What if a new tax law pops up, or your family grows in ways you didn’t plan—like a new grandkid? A trust protector can be granted powers to tweak the trust so it still works well, even when the future looks different from today. This capacity is especially helpful for trusts that last a long time.

3. They Give You Peace of Mind

   
   

   Setting up a trust is about protecting what matters to you—your money, your home, your family. A trust protector adds an extra layer of security, so you don’t have to worry about “what ifs.” It’s like having a trusted friend double-check everything. Studies from estate planning groups show people feel better knowing there’s an extra layer of protection.

Now, a trust protector doesn’t manage your trust from day to day or month to month—that’s still the trustee’s job. But they’re there when you need them, like a spare tire in your car. You hope you won’t need it, but it’s nice to know it’s there.

If you’re making a trust, talk to your lawyer about adding a trust protector. It’s a small and simple step that could make a big difference down the road. After all, your trust is about taking care of the people and things you love—why not make it as strong as possible?

References

• American Bar Association, Trusts & Estates – They talk about how trust protectors help keep trusts flexible.

• Forbes, Estate Planning Basics – A simple guide that mentions trust protectors as a safety check.

• National Law Review, Trust Protectors 101 – Explains how trust protectors handle changes over time.

Estate Planning Journal, 2023 – Says people feel more secure with a trust protector in place.