Help for Trustees.

Legal Advice for Trustees

Being a trustee carries important legal duties and ongoing responsibilities. Whether you are new to the role or have managed a trust for years, we help you understand your obligations and make confident, informed decisions.

Understanding Your Role as a Trustee

Trustees have specific legal duties. You must:

• Act in the best interests of the beneficiaries

• Follow the terms of the trust deed

• Keep accurate records and manage trust property carefully

• Make decisions that comply with the Trusts Act and other legal requirements

We explain what the law expects from you and how to meet those obligations in practice.

Support for Every Stage

We advise trustees on:

• Reading and interpreting trust deeds

• Communicating with co-trustees and beneficiaries

• Managing trust assets and financial responsibilities

• Making decisions and maintaining records

Our advice helps you manage the trust responsibly and with confidence in your role.

Resolving Trustee Issues

If issues arise, we assist with:

• Disputes between trustees or with beneficiaries

• Stepping down or appointing new trustees

• Making changes to the trust structure or administration

We provide clear, practical advice that helps you address problems early and meet your legal duties.

Where We Work

Our trust law team is based in Wellington, Lower Hutt and Masterton. We work with trustees across the Wellington region, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and throughout New Zealand.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Trustees

What are the main legal duties of a trustee?

Trustees must follow the trust deed, act honestly and in good faith, keep beneficiaries informed and manage trust property with reasonable care. We help trustees understand these duties and how to carry them out day to day.

What records should trustees keep?

Trustees must keep copies of the trust deed, financial statements, meeting notes and records of decisions. We explain what to record and how to maintain accurate, accessible documentation.

Can trustees be personally liable for mistakes?

Yes. Trustees can be personally liable if they breach their duties or act outside the terms of the trust. We help you understand the limits of your liability and how to manage risk responsibly.

How can disputes between trustees be resolved?

Disagreements between trustees can often be resolved by clarifying duties, reviewing the trust deed and documenting decisions properly. If further steps are needed, we assist with mediation or formal processes to help you reach a practical outcome that aligns with your obligations under the Trusts Act.