Who Do You Trust? Picking the Right People for Your Estate Plan

Episode Summary Your estate plan is only as strong as the people you choose to carry it out. From trustees to guardians to powers of attorney, these roles require judgment, honesty, and responsibility. In this episode, Brian Chew explains how to select the right people, what qualities matter most, and the common mistakes families make when making these important decisions. What You Will Learn in This Episode Why trust and good judgment are the top qualities to look for The risks of automatically naming the oldest child as trustee Political and family dynamics to consider when appointing decision-makers Pros and cons of naming co-trustees The most important factors in selecting guardians for minor children When it makes sense to use a professional trustee or corporate fiduciary How and when you can change your choices later on Key Timestamps 00:01:30 – Why trustees operate with little oversight and why trust is critical 00:03:50 – Beyond trust: the importance of good judgment 00:05:00 – Family politics and risks of naming the oldest child by default 00:07:15 – Why co-trustees can create more conflict than resolution 00:09:45 – Choosing guardians for minor children 00:12:20 – How to amend or update trustee and guardian appointments 00:14:30 – The dangers of picking the wrong person to serve 00:15:30 – When to consider a professional trustee or corporate fiduciary Show Description Choosing the right people to carry out your estate plan is one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of planning. In this episode, Brian Chew shares practical insights on how to select trustees, guardians, and powers of attorney. He explains the traits that matter most, the family dynamics that can create conflict, and why sometimes a professional or corporate trustee may be the best option.