Which phrase best describes the role of a trustee?

The role of a trustee is best described as someone responsible for managing trust property legally. A trustee has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries of the trust, ensuring that the assets are handled according to the terms set forth in the trust document. This includes overseeing investments, making distributions to beneficiaries, and ensuring compliance with the laws governing trusts.

Trustees must navigate complex legal and financial responsibilities, and they are required to maintain accurate records and account for their management of the trust. Their authority is derived from the trust agreement, and they must act within the parameters established by that document, providing a level of protection and management for the beneficiaries’ interests.

In contrast, creating a will is the role of a testator or a will-maker, not a trustee. A legal representative for a deceased's estate typically refers to an executor, who is appointed to administer the estate according to the terms of a will. Lastly, inheriting property without conditions refers to beneficiaries, who receive property as outlined in a trust or will, rather than managing that property as a trustee would. This distinction is essential in understanding the specific responsibilities and functions attributed to trustees.