Decline to Serve as Trustee or Personal Representative
Form Review 

It is a perilous task to act as a trustee or personal representative in this litigious age.  For that reason alone declining to serve in these positions makes a great deal of sense—unless you have a personal commitment to do so.  You can modify this document to conform to other offices or positions you elect to decline to serve in. Be advised that even declining may cause you to have some legal liability should you be proven to know the “next” in line will cause harm to the parties you were appointed to serve.

Laws vary from state to state and change over time, especially on the subject of partnerships.  Before using this document, have a lawyer review it. Make multiple copies.  Send one to each relevant party.  Keep one in your personal files. 
Decline to Serve as Trustee or Personal Representative

_________________________, who is appointed to act as the trustee or personal representative of the estate of _________________________, by virtue of ______________________, herewith declines to serve as trustee or personal representative.

Dated: ______________________

______________________________________________
Proposed Trustee or Personal Representative