Yes. A New Mexico trustee is generally entitled to reasonable compensation for their work, unless the trust document says otherwise. The trust may set a specific fee, say the trustee serves without pay, or leave it to reasonable standards. Trustees can also be reimbursed for proper expenses, and good records of both help prevent disputes with beneficiaries.
What counts as reasonable depends on the size and complexity of the trust, the time and skill required, and the results. Family members serving as trustees sometimes decline payment, and sometimes they should not. Taking compensation is a decision with tax and family consequences, and unexplained payments are a common source of conflict. If you are a trustee, keep a simple log of your time and expenses, read what the trust document says about pay, and ask an attorney before you pay yourself.
