A successful estate plan depends on more than well-drafted documents — in most cases, it depends on choosing the right people to carry them out. In estate planning, fiduciaries such as Trustees, personal representatives, guardians, and agents under financial powers of attorney are entrusted with significant legal responsibilities. These fiduciaries are legally obligated to act in the best interests of another person(s), with loyalty, prudence and care.

When you are in the midst of selecting these individuals for your own estate plan, you want to be sure to name someone trustworthy, and perhaps that means some people you know are excluded, such as an evil stepmother who plots your demise with a poisoned apple scheme so she can become the most beautiful person in the land and take all of your possessions.

If Disney villains have taught us anything, it is that not everyone we know is built to handle fiduciary duties. Take Scar, for example, he was the lion king of manipulators — particularly of vulnerable family members. He also took control of Pride Land and he ran it into economic ruin — similar to someone taking control over your Trust and draining out all of your assets. Unlike the characteristics shown by Scar, a good Trustee will communicate with other professionals as to managing assets, and will aim to preserve assets responsibly for the current beneficiary, and for any future beneficiaries.

Then there’s Ursula, who specialized in manipulation through underwater contracts with hidden fine print. A bit of advice, if someone tells you not to check the fine print, or as to your power of attorney, if the agent tells you not to review the account statements, you should definitely review the account statements. All fiduciaries must act transparently and keep the principal or the beneficiaries informed, so as to not steal voices, souls, or money through untrustworthy behavior.

Similarly, famed villain, Cruella de Vil, demonstrated why temperament matters when it comes to fiduciary selection. Impulsive, self-centered, and driven by vanity, Cruella, as Trustee, would likely invest trust funds into luxury capes and questionable business ventures. A fiduciary should be financially responsible, level-headed, and capable of making thoughtful long-term decisions.

So, who would make excellent fiduciaries?  In fact, there are a few Disney heroes that have shown many characteristics of a proper fiduciary. Mufasa demonstrated wisdom, stability, and thoughtful leadership. Belle showed intelligence, patience, and compassion. Tiana exemplified discipline, work ethic, and sound judgment. When selecting your own Trustee or other fiduciary, you should consider the following:

• Choose someone who exemplify responsibility and organization.
• Look for someone who is honest and shows financial prudence.
• Select someone who communicates well and can handle conflict calmly.
• Consider whether the individual can remain impartial among family members or different generations of beneficiaries.

While every family has a little drama, following through with your estate plan should not result in a Disney villain origin story. With careful planning and by selecting the right fiduciaries, your legacy can have the happy ending it deserves.