Trust Academy

Master Your Role as Trustee

Comprehensive education to help you understand, manage, and protect your family's trust with confidence. Learn from experts, at your own pace.

50+
Learning Modules
12
Trust Types Covered
100%
Free for Members

Learning Paths

Structured courses designed to take you from beginner to confident trustee

Beginner

Trust Fundamentals

Start here if you're new to trusts. Learn the basic concepts, terminology, and why trusts matter for your family's wealth protection.

8 Modules
2 Hours
Certificate

What You'll Learn

What is a trust and how does it work?
Key parties: Grantor, Trustee, Beneficiary
Types of trusts and their purposes
Benefits of trust-based estate planning
Intermediate

Trustee Duties & Responsibilities

Essential knowledge for anyone serving as a trustee. Understand your fiduciary duties, legal obligations, and best practices.

12 Modules
4 Hours
Certificate

What You'll Learn

Fiduciary duties explained
Investment management responsibilities
Record keeping requirements
Avoiding conflicts of interest
Advanced

Trust Administration Mastery

Advanced strategies for experienced trustees. Master complex distributions, tax planning, and multi-generational wealth transfer.

15 Modules
6 Hours
Certificate

What You'll Learn

Complex distribution strategies
Tax optimization techniques
Trust modifications and decanting
Succession planning for trustees

Trustee Essentials

Critical knowledge every trustee must understand

Fiduciary Duties

  • Duty of Loyalty - Always act in beneficiaries' best interests
  • Duty of Care - Manage assets prudently and diligently
  • Duty of Impartiality - Treat all beneficiaries fairly
  • Duty to Inform - Keep beneficiaries reasonably informed
  • Duty to Account - Maintain accurate records and reports

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mixing personal and trust assets
  • Failing to diversify investments
  • Making distributions without proper documentation
  • Ignoring tax filing deadlines
  • Self-dealing or conflicts of interest

Tax Obligations

  • Form 1041 - Annual trust income tax return
  • Schedule K-1 - Beneficiary income reporting
  • Form 706 - Estate tax return (if applicable)
  • State Returns - Varies by jurisdiction
  • Estimated Taxes - Quarterly payments may be required

Featured Topics

Deep dives into important trust administration concepts

Making Distributions

Learn when and how to make distributions to beneficiaries while following trust terms.

15 min Intermediate

Investment Management

Prudent investor rule, diversification requirements, and investment policy statements.

20 min Advanced

Record Keeping

What records to maintain, how long to keep them, and organizing your trust files.

10 min Beginner

Working with Beneficiaries

Communication strategies, handling disputes, and managing expectations.

12 min Intermediate

Legal Compliance

State laws, reporting requirements, and staying compliant with trust terms.

18 min Intermediate

Asset Protection

How trusts protect assets from creditors, lawsuits, and other threats.

15 min Advanced

Video Learning Center

Watch and learn from our expert-led video tutorials

12:34

Trust 101: Understanding the Basics

A complete introduction to trusts for beginners. Learn the fundamentals in under 15 minutes.

Beginner Fundamentals
18:45

Your First 30 Days as Trustee

Step-by-step guide for newly appointed trustees. What to do first and how to get organized.

Trustee Getting Started
22:10

Fiduciary Duties Explained

Deep dive into the legal responsibilities every trustee must understand and follow.

Legal Compliance

Trust Glossary

Definitions of common trust terms and concepts

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Ascertainable Standard

A standard that limits trustee discretion in making distributions, typically for health, education, maintenance, and support (HEMS).

Asset Protection Trust

A trust designed to protect assets from creditors while allowing the grantor to remain a beneficiary.

Administration

The ongoing management and operation of a trust, including investment management, distributions, and record keeping.

Ready to Become a Confident Trustee?

Join thousands of families who have mastered trust administration with our comprehensive educational platform.