What is a "trustee" in Delaware?

In Delaware, as in many jurisdictions, a trustee is defined as an individual or institution that is appointed to manage the assets held in a trust for the benefit of the beneficiaries. The trustee has a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interests of the trust's beneficiaries, ensuring that the assets are managed prudently and according to the terms set forth in the trust document. This role involves a variety of responsibilities, including making investment decisions, distributing income or principal to beneficiaries, and maintaining accurate records.

This definition also highlights the distinct role of a trustee compared to other legal roles such as a will creator, executor of an estate, or a trust beneficiary. A person who creates a will is known as a testator, while an executor is responsible for carrying out the instructions in a will following a person's death. A beneficiary, on the other hand, is someone who receives benefits from a trust or will but does not have the management responsibilities associated with being a trustee. Thus, the identification of a trustee correctly emphasizes their central role in the management and stewardship of a trust in accordance with the Delaware laws governing trusts.