QLD Who Can be an Independent Trustee for Will and Estates?

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Sarah J

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16 July 2014
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Are you asking about who can be appointed the personal representative (i.e. executor) or trustee for a particular asset of an estate or for a minor beneficiary or contingent beneficiary?

If you are making a will, this can be anyone of age with mental capacity whom the testator appoints.
 

cheryle

Well-Known Member
30 July 2014
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Are you asking about who can be appointed the personal representative (i.e. executor) or trustee for a particular asset of an estate or for a minor beneficiary or contingent beneficiary?

If you are making a will, this can be anyone of age with mental capacity whom the testator appoints.
Yes
 

Sarah J

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16 July 2014
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Melbourne, Victoria
Usually, this is the executor of the will (or administrator in cases where the person dies intestate) unless:

1. The will expressly appoints someone as trustee. The will can appoint a general trustee for all beneficiaries who are minors or has contingent interests under the will, or specific trustees for different persons/assets.
2. The executor, who becomes the default trustee where (1 above) does not exist, can appoint his or her own trustee, unless the will expressly prohibits this.
3. While the trustee is being located or appointed, the executor is the temporary trustee.
 
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Sarah J

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16 July 2014
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The appointed trustee must be of age to receipt property (i.e. over 18) and of mental capacity. A trustee can be anyone the will-maker feels comfortable trusting his or her property with (e.g. family, friends). A person can also appoint a public trustee or professional trust corporation or solicitor to act as the trustee for a fee. If this is the case, the will-maker will need to include a provision in the will that talks about the fee of the professional trustee/solicitor and where from the estate this fee will be taken out of.
 

cheryle

Well-Known Member
30 July 2014
40
1
124
Usually, this is the executor of the will (or administrator in cases where the person dies intestate) unless:

1. The will expressly appoints someone as trustee. The will can appoint a general trustee for all beneficiaries who are minors or has contingent interests under the will, or specific trustees for different persons/assets.
2. The executor, who becomes the default trustee where (1 above) does not exist, can appoint his or her own trustee, unless the will expressly prohibits this.
3. While the trustee is being located or appointed, the executor is the temporary trustee.
 

cheryle

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30 July 2014
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So this means I can or cant appoint soneone of my choice that is not a lawyer.

?
 
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Sarah J

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16 July 2014
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Melbourne, Victoria
Yes you can appoint anyone over 18 years old of mental capacity who is able and willing to act.
 
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cheryle

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30 July 2014
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Yes you can appoint anyone over 18 years old of mental capacity who is able and willing to act.
Sorry think I should correct my question. If I am the beneficiary of a will thats my share Iis in trust for a period of time. Can I appoint an independent trustee? Can that trustee be anyone I choose over 18 with normal mental capacity? Also can I choose the banking instution for my funds in my name?
 

Sarah J

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16 July 2014
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Melbourne, Victoria
So just to clarify, you are the beneficiary of a will and the will maker has passed away, and you have not yet been vested with the property. Is this because you are a minor (under 18) or because there is some condition in the will that you need to satisfy beforehand?

The will should name an executor. This executor will need to first obtain grant of probate. If the will did not also name a trustee to look after this trust, the executor decides who to appoint as a trustee. In the meantime, the executor is the trustee. The executor may decide to act as trustee personally, in which case they will need to appoint themselves as trustee.

In practice, I would recommend you speak with the executor and nominate a trustee (over 18 and of mental capacity). However, it is your executor who has the ultimate right to appoint.