A trust protector is the person tasked with monitoring activities carried out by a trustee or trustees. As such, they have several duties, all of which are meant to ensure proper management of the trust. In addition to having certain responsibilities, the person chosen as trust protector may have certain powers.
The powers granted to trust protectors are usually set forth in the legal document that establishes and governs management of the trust.
In some cases, they may be authorized to provide assistance with technical issues or resolve conflicts. They may also have power to make certain financial decisions or be authorized to take certain actions with regard to the trustees. Depending on the circumstances, they may also have the final say over the distribution of property.