What responsibility does a trustee have in a testamentary trust?

A trustee in a testamentary trust has the responsibility of managing the trust assets and ensuring proper distribution to the beneficiaries, as established by the terms of the trust. This includes a range of duties, such as making investment decisions, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring that distributions are made in accordance with the instructions laid out in the will or trust document.

This management role promotes the interests of the beneficiaries and upholds the intentions of the person who created the trust. By acting as a fiduciary, the trustee must make decisions that are in the best interests of the beneficiaries, which reinforces the trust's purpose of providing for them over time. The proper oversight and management of the trust assets benefit all parties involved by fostering accountability and transparency within the administration of the trust.

The other options pertain to roles that do not fully encapsulate the trustee's overarching responsibilities or delve into areas that may not be typical for a trustee. For instance, distributing assets directly to beneficiaries without oversight would fail to address the necessary management and adherence to the trust's terms. Advising on investment strategies may not fall under a trustee's formal duties, as this usually requires specialized financial knowledge beyond the basic trustee responsibilities, and it could lead to conflicts of interest. Lastly, while resolving