Can an individual serve as both the trustee and a beneficiary of the trust?

An individual can indeed serve as both a trustee and a beneficiary of a trust, but this arrangement comes with important responsibilities. When acting as a trustee, the individual has a fiduciary duty to manage the trust assets in the best interest of all beneficiaries, including themselves. This means that while they may benefit from the trust, they must prioritize the interests of the other beneficiaries and ensure that their own interests do not lead to a conflict that would compromise their ability to act fairly and impartially.

This dual role is not prohibited, but it does require careful navigation to avoid any ethical dilemmas or conflicts of interest. The trustee must uphold the terms of the trust and manage the assets according to the intentions of the trustor, ensuring transparency and accountability to all beneficiaries involved.

In contrast, options that suggest this arrangement is strictly prohibited or requires additional trustees do not reflect the legal framework surrounding trust management, where such dual appointments are allowed with the right fiduciary considerations.