3 minute read
The People Who Carry Out Your Plan
Discover the key people who help carry out your estate plan, including guardians, executors, and trustees. Learn what they do, how to choose them, and why they matter in securing your legacy.
Maya Powers, @MayaPowers
Estate Planning Content Expert, Trust & Will
- Share this article
Chapter 5: The People Who Carry Out Your Plan
This article is part of Estate Planning University by Trust & Will—a free learning series built for real life and the moments that inspire planning. Whether you’re starting a family, buying a home, or simply ready to get organized, we’re here to help you move from curious to confident with clear, actionable guidance every step of the way.
In this chapter:
Choosing Guardians, Executors, and Trustees
When it comes to estate planning, the decisions you make today are designed to protect your loved ones tomorrow. But even the most thoughtfully written plan needs the right people to bring it to life.
From carrying out your final wishes to caring for the people and things you love, key roles like guardians, executors, and trustees are essential to ensuring your plan works as intended.
This guide will help you understand who does what—so you can choose wisely and feel confident that your legacy is in the right hands.
Why These Roles Matter
An estate plan is more than paperwork. It’s a set of instructions for what happens if you become incapacitated or pass away. And just like any important set of instructions, it depends on someone to follow through.
Whether it’s a guardian who will raise your children, an executor who will settle your affairs, or a trustee who will manage your assets when you’re no longer able to—these individuals take your plan from paper to reality.
Choosing the right people for these roles is one of the most important steps in creating your plan.
Quick Definitions
Here’s a brief overview of each role:
Guardian: The person you choose to care for your minor children or dependents if you’re no longer able to. Learn more in our guide to guardianship.
Executor: The individual responsible for settling your estate after your passing—paying debts, distributing assets, and ensuring your wishes are followed. Read the full executor guide.
Trustee: The person or institution who manages and distributes the assets held in your trust, according to your instructions. Learn about a trustee’s roles and responsibilities here.
Each role carries different responsibilities and legal authority, and each one plays a vital part in protecting your family and your future.
Choosing the Right People
You don’t have to make these decisions alone—but they are yours to make. When considering who should carry out your plan, ask yourself:
Do I trust this person to make hard decisions?
Will they act in the best interest of my loved ones?
Are they willing and able to take on this responsibility?
You may also want to talk to the people you’re considering ahead of time. Open conversations now can lead to smoother transitions later.
In some cases, it may make sense to appoint a professional trustee or third-party fiduciary—especially if your estate is complex, or if family dynamics are challenging. Learn more about Trust & Will’s professional trustee service and why it can be advantageous when compared to selecting a loved one here.
Don't Forget Other Important Roles
Beyond guardians, executors, and trustees, your plan may also include:
A power of attorney for financial or legal matters
A medical proxy (also called a health care agent)
A pet guardian to care for your furry companions
Explore these deeper-dive topics to make sure you’re thinking through every detail:
Putting It All Together
Choosing the people who will carry out your plan is more than just filling in names on a form. It’s about building a plan that works in real life—one that reflects your values, protects your loved ones, and gives you peace of mind.
When you’re ready, start your plan and we’ll walk you through each step.
Trust & Will makes estate planning simple so you can create a customized, state-specific plan from the comfort of your own home. Take our free quiz to discover which estate plan best fits your needs today, to secure your family’s future.
Is there a question here we didn’t answer? Browse more topics in our learn center, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, or chat with our member support!
Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.
Go Deeper:
- Share this article