What is a "trust protector"?

A trust protector is indeed an appointed individual with the authority to oversee the trustee. This role is established to provide an additional layer of oversight in the management and administration of a trust. The trust protector typically has specific powers that may include the ability to remove or replace the trustee, modify trust provisions, or address changes in circumstances that may arise after the trust has been established.

The role of the trust protector is particularly valuable in ensuring that the intentions of the grantor (the person who created the trust) are upheld over time, especially as situations change. This function includes making decisions that can alter how the trust operates, thus providing flexibility in response to unforeseen events or circumstances.

The other options do not accurately represent the role of a trust protector. While managing trust assets is crucial, that falls primarily under the purview of the trustee. Similarly, ensuring trust distributions align with the grantor's wishes is a responsibility of the trustee, not a beneficiary, and an attorney's role in drafting trust documents is mainly to provide legal guidance rather than oversight of trust administration.