A trustee is a person or entity designated by a person who creates a trust (grantor, settlor, or trustor) to manage and administer the trust for the benefit of the named beneficiary or beneficiaries. The trustee of a trust created for estate planning purposes is often the grantor, settlor, or trustor who created and funded the trust.

A trust agreement may designate one or more successor trustees who will become the trustee if the previous trustee dies, is unable to continue to serve as trustee, resigns as trustee, or is removed by court order following a lawsuit filed by the beneficiary or beneficiaries of the trust.

A trustee has a fiduciary duty to the beneficiary or beneficiaries of the trust. A fiduciary duty includes the highest duty of care (performance of duties under the terms of the trust agreement) and of loyalty (avoiding conflicts of interest) recognized in law.

In Maine, a trustee is responsible for managing a trust in accordance with the terms set forth by the grantor and in the best interests of the beneficiaries. The trustee's role includes a fiduciary duty, which is a legal obligation to act with the highest level of care and loyalty. This duty requires the trustee to manage the trust assets prudently, to follow the trust's terms, and to avoid conflicts of interest. Successor trustees can be designated in the trust agreement to take over if the original trustee can no longer serve due to death, incapacity, resignation, or removal by a court. Maine trust law is governed by the Maine Uniform Trust Code, which outlines the responsibilities and powers of trustees, as well as the rights of beneficiaries. If a trustee fails to uphold their fiduciary duties, beneficiaries may seek legal recourse, which can include filing a lawsuit to have the trustee removed or to seek damages for breaches of trust.