When choosing a special needs trustee, make sure he or she has the best interest of the beneficiary as a top priority. Beyond this step, there are many choices. The following are some people or groups to consider and consult when choosing who will oversee the special needs trust you are concerned about.

Family Members or Friends: A family member or close friend may volunteer to act as trustee for the special needs trust. Though this person has the best intentions, untrained family members and friends tend to be inexperienced or too busy to pay the needed attention to all of the elements that can affect the trust. A family member under professional guidance could work out, but special needs trusts are subject to many fickle and changing policies that are a large task to keep track of.

Banks: Banks might even compete to be trustee or a large special needs trust. If this is the case, fiduciary fees may be reduced. Banks tend to provide widely available, accessible customer service. However, if there is dispute or differences of opinion with the bank regarding the trust, it can be very hard to transfer the funds to another trustee.

Non-profit Organizations: Some Non-profits offer special needs trust administration as a specialty. They may be able to offer services through grant programs or direct the interested family to other organizations who can oversee the trust.

Remember, being a special needs trustee is a hard, time-consuming job. Choose wisely!

Read more about who should manage a special needs trust.