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A.R.S. § 14-10801

Duty to Administer a Trust in Good Faith

Verified April 4, 2026 • 57th Legislature, 1st Regular Session

Once a trustee accepts the role, Arizona law requires them to manage the trust in good faith, follow its terms and purposes, act in the beneficiaries' best interests, and comply with Arizona's trust code. This is the foundational obligation every trustee carries.

Title 14, ARIZONA TRUST CODE

azleg.gov

What Acceptance Triggers

Agreeing to serve as trustee is not a ceremonial step. The moment a trustee accepts the role, a set of legal obligations locks into place. This statute sets the baseline: every action the trustee takes must reflect good faith, align with the trust's stated terms and purposes, and serve the interests of the beneficiaries.

On acceptance of a trusteeship, the trustee shall administer the trust in good faith, in accordance with its terms and purposes and the interests of the beneficiaries and in accordance with this chapter.

A.R.S. § 14-10801

Good faith means more than avoiding dishonesty. It requires the trustee to act with genuine care and attention, making decisions that align with what the trust creator intended. A trustee who ignores the trust document or prioritizes convenience over the beneficiaries' welfare is not meeting this standard.

Why the Trust Document Matters

The trust's terms and purposes act as the trustee's instruction manual. A well-drafted trust spells out who receives distributions, when, and under what conditions. The trustee does not get to improvise. If the trust says distribute income quarterly, the trustee distributes income quarterly. If the trust restricts principal distributions to health and education, the trustee follows that restriction.

This is also why working with experienced estate planning counsel during the drafting stage is so valuable. Clear, specific trust language gives the trustee a roadmap and reduces the chance of disputes among beneficiaries later.

On acceptance of a trusteeship, the trustee shall administer the trust in good faith, in accordance with its terms and purposes and the interests of the beneficiaries and in accordance with this chapter.
View on azleg.gov

This page provides general legal information about Arizona statutes and is not legal advice. For guidance on how this law applies to your situation, speak with a qualified attorney.

Related Questions

What do all the trust terms mean? Trustor, Trustee, Beneficiary and More

Trustor (grantor/settlor) creates the trust. Trustee manages it. Successor trustee takes over at incapacity or death. Beneficiary receives assets later. Beneficial owner benefits from assets now.

What does a trustee actually do?

A trustee manages trust assets according to the rules the trust creator set. While you are alive, you are typically both trustor and trustee. After you pass, your successor trustee distributes assets as instructed.

What is a Revocable Living Trust and how does it work?

A Revocable Living Trust lets you transfer asset ownership into a trust you control during your lifetime. When you pass, a successor trustee distributes assets to beneficiaries without probate.

Related Statutes

§ 14-10101The Arizona Trust Code: Short Title and What It Covers
§ 14-10102Which Trusts Are Covered by the Arizona Trust Code
§ 14-10103Key Definitions in the Arizona Trust Code

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