Trustee

What trustee means

In short, trustee is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.

Where trustee comes up

The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.

How to research the term

First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses trustee in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.

You can read the current federal court rules online for free.

Related legal terms

• Temporary restraining order: a short-term emergency order to prevent immediate and irreparable harm before a hearing can be held.
• Trust: a legal arrangement in which a trustee holds property for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries under terms set by the settlor.
• Uniform Commercial Code: a model law covering commercial transactions such as sales and secured transactions. It has force only as each state enacts it.
• United States Code: the compilation of the general and permanent laws of the United States, arranged by subject into titles and prepared by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House of Representatives.

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.