When Family Turns Against You: Protecting Yourself as a Trustee

Have you ever been accused of mishandling a trust? It’s one of the most stressful and heartbreaking calls I get from clients—trustees who thought they were doing the right thing, only to find themselves under fire from unhappy beneficiaries.

In this episode of Gavels Down, Voices Up, I break down what happens when a trustee is accused of wrongdoing, whether it’s mismanagement, self-dealing, or simply a lack of communication. I’ll walk you through the legal obligations of trustees, the common mistakes that spark accusations, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your reputation.

Being a trustee isn’t easy. You’re not just managing money—you’re balancing legal duties, family dynamics, and high emotions. That’s why I’m here to help you navigate these accusations with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

Key Takeaways:

• What fiduciary duties trustees must follow—and why they matter
• The difference between actual mismanagement and perceived wrongdoing
• How to protect yourself against false claims as a trustee
• The role of transparency, communication, and record-keeping
• What legal remedies are available when things go wrong

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Emotional Toll of Estate Conflicts

00:21 Welcome to Gavels Down Voices Up

00:57 Understanding Your Role as a Trustee

01:52 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

03:10 The Boiling Point: Recognizing Trouble Early

04:41 Responding to Accusations Effectively

06:33 Myths and Mediation: Clearing Up Misconceptions

07:27 Final Thoughts and Getting Help

07:49 Conclusion: Protecting Your Role and Reputation

If you’ve been accused—or if you’re currently serving as a trustee—this episode will give you the insight you need to do the job right and avoid costly mistakes.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more legal insights that connect the courtroom to your kitchen table.

Ready to learn more about Rachel King:

Website: https://rachelkingattorney.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelawyerking/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelkinglaw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZIOh5b6kNo3KYojIA8vKw?si=91205d1a16194e67

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Rachel's book, "Getting Divorced: Now What?", is now available. Visit https://rachelkingattorney.com/ for more information and to get your copy.

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