Trustees and beneficiaries do not necessarily have greater or fewer rights than one another, however, the rights and powers that they do have are different. The differences in their rights and powers are necessary checks and balances to ensure that Trustees do not take advantage of their position and that Beneficiaries do not try to take power over other Beneficiaries or take over the position of Trustee.
Trustees possess significant powers in managing trusts, with the specifics of their authority often outlined within the trust instrument itself.
While trustees wield considerable more authority in administering trusts and overseeing the process, they are obligated by fiduciary duty to prioritize the interests of the trust beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries typically have limited influence over trust management but retain the entitlement to receive their designated allocations. However, when an issue arises, beneficiaries have the right to assert a claim.
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