Which designation takes over if the initial trustee can no longer fulfill duties?

• A. Beneficiary
• B. Successor trustee
• C. Grantor
• D. Testator

Answer: (B)

When a trust needs someone to step in, the designated successor trustee takes over. The trust instrument names who will replace the original trustee if they can no longer fulfill duties—whether due to death, incapacity, resignation, or removal—so administration, investments, and distributions continue smoothly according to the trust terms. This role is specifically about managing the trust, not about who benefits from it (the beneficiary), who created the trust (the grantor or settlor), or who created a will (the testator). If no successor trustee is named, some jurisdictions allow the court to appoint one or to appoint a new trustee to step in.