PO Box 9255 | Wilmington, DE 19809
professional bespoke offerings
Independent Modern Fiduciary Roles
Limited Individual Trustee Services
Independent Modern Fiduciary Roles
MAIF is committed to offering independent and impartial fiduciary services that bridge the gap between personal needs and institutional limitations. Modern Fiduciary Role services may consist of oversight of marketable or closely-held assets.
MAIF can serve in the various fiduciary roles in current modern planning, under DE law:
Trust Protector (12 Del. C. § 3313): a role generally designed to manage trust powers independent of the trustee, offering high flexibility for directed trusts. Protectors can be granted authority, but are not limited to; remove/appoint trustees, amend trust instruments, and manage distributions.
Designated Representative (12 Del. C. § 3339): represents and binds trust beneficiaries in both judicial proceedings and nonjudicial matters, particularly in "silent trusts" where beneficiary information rights are restricted.
Distribution Advisor (12 Del. C. § 3313): directs trustees on income or principal distributions.
Investment Advisor (12 Del. C. § 3313): directs, consent to, or disapprove of a trustee's investment.
Advisory & Consultant Services
Limited Individual Trustee Services
Independent Modern Fiduciary Roles
Individual Advisory Services for trust interested parties, such as; grantors and beneficiaries, seeking objective guidance and oversight of their fiduciaries; including assistance with evaluating and interviewing alternative fiduciary solutions, and review of historical statements of activities and performance. In addition, we provide interested party education, which may include governing documents review and summarization, financial literacy, and individual one-to-one ongoing support.
Professional Advisory Services for trustees and other fiduciaries seeking support in fulfilling their professional duties. Our advisory role is designed to assist fiduciaries with complex decision‑making, governance matters, fiduciary risk management, and best‑interest standards, while preserving the client’s ultimate authority and discretion. We deliver practical, customized advice informed by fiduciary law, industry best practices, and the specific terms of the governing instrument.
Institutional Consultative Services for institutional trust companies, boards, executives, and fiduciary teams seeking independent review of its governance frameworks, policy development, risk management, and organizational best practices. Our services are designed to enhance fiduciary effectiveness, support sustainable growth, and strengthen institutional decision‑making through objective insight, practical experience, and tailored education programs.
Limited Individual Trustee Services
Limited Individual Trustee Services
Limited Individual Trustee Services
MAIF's Principal, Erin E. Markham, can serve as a directed or discretionary trustee or co-trustee in an individual capacity, and not under the MAIF entity, in limited circumstances. Consideration for acceptance as an individual trustee is done on a case-by-case basis and will be determined by the terms of the governing instrument, complexity of the trust's holdings and anticipated activities.
Directed Trustee: acts on instructions from a separately named fiduciary, such as a Distribution Advisor or Investment Advisor.
Discretionary Trustee: generally holds full authority over asset management and distributions.