What Is a Successor Trustee and How Do They Work in Arizona?

Key TakeawaysA successor trustee is essential in overseeing a trust post the original trustee’s tenure, with an obligation to act with fiduciary duty, diligence, and integrity in Arizona.We explain what triggers the successor trustee’s activation, the importance of successor trustees, how to choose a successor trustee, and common mistakes people make when assigning successor trustees.Successor [...]

Can a Beneficiary Sue a Trustee in Arizona?

Key TakeawaysBeneficiaries in Arizona possess robust legal rights to sue trustees for breaches of fiduciary duty, self-dealing, mismanagement, and failures in communication or transparency, which can be game changers in trust outcomes.From consulting with qualified counsel to evidence gathering and discovery phase, the legal process for trust disputes is vital to navigating trust disputes and [...]

What Are the Most Common Mistakes Trustees Make in Arizona?

Key TakeawaysTrustees must understand how to properly fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities, which encompass both prudent management of trust assets and compliance with the trust’s provisions, to avoid costly mistakes and litigation.Common mistakes in Arizona include failing to fund trusts properly, neglecting communication, poor record-keeping, and mismanaging investments, all of which can lead to beneficiary disputes [...]

What Should Trustees and Beneficiaries Know About Trust Administration in Arizona?

Key TakeawaysUnequal trust distribution in Arizona involves complex legal, psychological, and interpersonal factors, making it essential to understand both the grantor’s intent and the legal framework before making decisions or raising concerns.Recording a grantor’s wishes explicitly within trust documents and explaining the rationale for unequal distributions can limit confusion and decrease the chance of future [...]