What is the requirement for naming a successor trustee?

• A. Must name in the trust instrument
• B. You must name at least two
• C. Successor trustees are appointed by a court
• D. There is no requirement that a successor trustee be named in the trust instrument

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is whether there is a mandatory requirement to name a successor trustee in the trust instrument. It’s not required by law to list a successor trustee in the trust document. You can name one to ensure a smooth transition if the initial trustee can no longer serve, but it isn’t a legal obligation. If no successor is named, the trust provisions or applicable law generally provide a way to appoint someone to take over (such as the remaining trustees, the beneficiaries, or a court stepping in). Naming a successor is a best-practice way to ensure continuity, but the absence of a named successor does not render the trust invalid or unsatisfactory.