Who is the trustee that serves after the original trustee?

• A. Express Trust
• B. Trust Agreement
• C. Successor Trustee
• D. Implied Trust

Answer: (C)

When a trust is set up, a trustee is named to manage the trust assets. If the original trustee can no longer serve—due to death, resignation, removal, or incapacity—the designated person to take over is the successor trustee. This role is specifically created in the trust instrument so there’s a seamless handoff and ongoing administration of the trust according to its terms. The successor trustee steps in with the same fiduciary duties, ensuring beneficiaries receive distributions and the trust is managed properly without needing to go back to court.

The other terms describe what creates or defines the trust rather than who serves after the original trustee. An express trust refers to a trust created by explicit intent, typically in writing. A trust agreement is the document that lays out the trust’s terms and names the trustee(s). An implied trust arises by law based on circumstances rather than explicit declaration. None of these designate the person who serves after the original trustee—that role is specifically the successor trustee.