17 September 2026

The Vicca Law Podcast

Season 3 Episode 32: Trustee of a Trust? What You Need to do in Your Will!

If you control a family trust, what happens to that trust when you die?

Trusts can be an important part of asset protection, business and family wealth structures, but they can also create additional estate planning considerations. Unlike assets held personally, trust assets do not simply pass to beneficiaries under your will.

In this episode, Lidia Vicca explains the different roles within a trust, including trustees, beneficiaries and appointors or principals, and why understanding who controls the trust is critical for succession planning.

She also discusses the importance of reviewing the trust deed, planning for successor appointors and trustees, considering a deed of succession or variation where appropriate, and documenting your longer-term intentions for the trust.

Common Questions Answered in This Episode

• What happens to a family trust when you die?
• Do trust assets form part of your estate?
• Can you deal with a family trust in your will?
• What happens when the trustee of a trust dies?
• What does an appointor of a family trust do?
• Who controls a family trust after the appointor dies?
• Can you appoint a successor appointor in your will?
• What is a deed of succession for a family trust?
• Why should you review your trust deed when preparing your will?
• Should a family trust be included in estate planning?

Does someone owe you money? Your first step is demanding repayment! Download our FREE letter of demand template developed over 15 years of disputes practice: https://lidia-vicca.mykajabi.com/letter-of-demand

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Visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to download our FREE Guide on 5 Things you NEED to know about Estate Planning!

Ready to take the next step? Call us on 07 3138 9940 or visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to book a FREE consultation.

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