Personal property is often the most personal part of an estate. It encompasses everything from everyday household items to treasured heirlooms and intangible assets like securities and digital content. For trustees and executors, managing this property requires diligence, transparency and compassion. By approaching personal property with the same care given to financial assets, trustees and executors can honor the decedent’s legacy, uphold their fiduciary duties, and support

Following these trust management best practices will help you meet your fiduciary duties, avoid disputes, and keep the trust on track to meet its goals. It’s about more than compliance — it’s about stewardship, professionalism, and earning the trust of those you serve.

Managing a cross-border trust requires more than financial acumen—it demands legal awareness, cultural sensitivity, and logistical flexibility. The most successful trustees: Stay current on both U.S. and foreign tax obligations, Leverage local expertise when possible, Build flexibility into distribution methods and schedules, Use technology strategically and securely, Maintain open, clear communication with beneficiaries.