TRUST PROTECTOR

A Trust Protector is someone who is granted specific authority by a trust document.  When a trust is established, the grantor to the trust relinquishes certain rights, either by design or ultimately by death.  A trust protector is often named to have the authority to do things the grantor would want to do, but is now unable to do.  The trust protector is not a trustee, but is often appointed to exercise oversight of the trustee.  He may have authority to replace the trustee if there is negligence.  He may also have the authority to change the trust document to conform to the original wishes of the grantor, such as when changes in the law have an adverse affect on the trust.