what if one of the benifiuaries wont repond to the trustees attorney

by Mrs. Maybelle Blick 4 min read

ATTORNEY ANSWER: A beneficiary is always free to refuse to accept benefits under a trust or a will. You should ask the beneficiary to execute what is called a disclaimer. Once a beneficiary disclaims her interest, she is treated as predeceasing the Donor of the trust and you are free to distribute the bequest to the next beneficiary in line.

If a trustee fails to respond to verbal requests and letters, there is no consequence unless you seek the assistance of the court. Once you go to court you can request the judge to order the trustee to do things. You can seek the Trustee's removal. You can seek to hold the Trustee liable for damages.Oct 8, 2020

Full Answer

Can a trust attorney give legal advice to a beneficiary?

ATTORNEY ANSWER: A beneficiary is always free to refuse to accept benefits under a trust or a will. You should ask the beneficiary to execute what is called a disclaimer. Once a beneficiary disclaims her interest, she is treated as predeceasing the Donor of the trust and you are free to distribute the bequest to the next beneficiary in line.

Can a trustee refuse to perform a fiduciary duty?

Generally, trustees are charged with observing two main fiduciary duties: the duty of loyalty and the duty of care. The former requires the trustee to manage trust assets in a manner that enhances the best interests of the beneficiaries, within limits stipulated by the trust deed.

Can a court order a trustee to remove a beneficiary?

Apr 02, 2015 · Maybe the Trustee does not know their fiduciary duties, maybe they don’t know the answer to the questions your asking, or worse yet, maybe they don’t want you to know what they are up to. When a Trustee fails to communicate, beneficiaries usually assume the worst. And, for good reason: a lack of communication is usually the result of people ...

Can unhappy beneficiaries get their own lawyers?

If you are the beneficiary of a trust and the trustee is refusing to make distributions you are entitled to receive, or if you are trustee who is being asked to make distributions you are unsure can or should be made, you should contact a trust litigation attorney as soon as possible to determine the best course of action in your situation.

Can a beneficiary override a trustee?

A beneficiary can override a trustee using only legal means at their disposal and claiming a breach of fiduciary duty on the Trustee's part. If the Trustee stays transparent and lives up to the trust document, there is no reason to “override” the Trustee.

Does a trustee have to communicate with beneficiaries?

Fortunately, California law protects beneficiaries by requiring trustees to communicate throughout the trust administration process and act in the best interests of beneficiaries.Jun 17, 2019

How do you deal with difficult beneficiaries?

How to Handle a Belligerent BeneficiaryA Demanding Beneficiary becomes Belligerent.Communicate with all the Beneficiaries.Have all Complaints go to the Executor.Treat all Beneficiaries Fairly.Executor Confidence is Crucial to Thwart Threats.Remain Resolute against Harassment.Conclusion.Jul 2, 2016

Who holds the real power in a trust the trustee or the beneficiary?

A trust is a legal arrangement through which one person, called a "settlor" or "grantor," gives assets to another person (or an institution, such as a bank or law firm), called a "trustee." The trustee holds legal title to the assets for another person, called a "beneficiary." The rights of a trust beneficiary depend ...Jun 22, 2021

What a trustee Cannot do?

The trustee cannot fail to carry out the wishes and intent of the settlor and cannot act in bad faith, fail to represent the best interests of the beneficiaries at all times during the existence of the trust and fail to follow the terms of the trust. A trustee cannot fail to carry out their duties.Sep 14, 2020

Can a trustee withhold money from a beneficiary?

Can a trustee refuse to pay a beneficiary? Yes, a trustee can refuse to pay a beneficiary if the trust allows them to do so. Whether a trustee can refuse to pay a beneficiary depends on how the trust document is written. Trustees are legally obligated to comply with the terms of the trust when distributing assets.

What happens if a beneficiary does not respond?

If a beneficiary doesn't receive what they're entitled to from the estate, the executor or administrator may be liable to pay this themselves. To help protect against any possible claims, the executor or administrator needs to take all the necessary steps to find the beneficiary before distributing the estate.

Can an executor override a beneficiary?

Yes, an executor can override a beneficiary's wishes as long as they are following the will or, alternative, any court orders. Executors have a fiduciary duty to the estate beneficiaries requiring them to distribute estate assets as stated in the will.

How do you show fairness to beneficiaries?

Options to consider to promote fairnessUsing non-business assets to equalize for other child(ren)Using life insurance as an equalizer for children not involved or sharing in the value of the business.Leaving a child in the business, but without voting rights or shares.More items...

How do I remove myself from a beneficiary of a trust?

This could be done by granting the trustee a power of attorney with a gift rider and an option to exercise a power of appointment to appoint a new beneficiary and remove the old beneficiary. You can see a situation where this would come in handy. Question 1: I set up an irrevocable trust with myself as the trustee.Aug 5, 2020

Does an executor have to show accounting to beneficiaries?

To summarize, the executor does not automatically have to disclose accounting to beneficiaries. However, if the beneficiaries request this information from the executor, it is the executor's responsibility to provide it. In most cases, the executor will provide informal accounting to the beneficiaries.

Can a trustee sell trust property without all beneficiaries approving?

Yes. A trustee has the powers of an absolute owner and can even postpone a sale. However, in order to sell any property there must be at least two trustees able to sign the contract for sale.

Who can remove trustee from trust?

A state court presiding in the state where the trust was created has the power to remove the trustee or order the trustee to perform his duties as prescribed by the trust deed and state law. In response to a petition filed by a trust beneficiary, a court may order the trustee to provide a written accounting of trust assets to the beneficiary.

What is the duty of a trustee after death?

Read More: Trustee Duties for a Revocable Trust After Death.

What happens when a trust deed is silent?

A trust becomes automatically irrevocable when the grantor passes away. If the trust is revocable, ...

What is a trustee in a trust?

The trustee of a trust is required to act as a legal fiduciary on behalf of trust beneficiaries. If the trustee refuses to perform his obligations with respect to the trust, a beneficiary might be able to take advantage of several possible remedies to ensure fair treatment by the trustee.

What are the duties of a trustee?

Generally, trustees are charged with observing two main fiduciary duties: the duty of loyalty and the duty of care . The former requires the trustee to manage trust assets in a manner that enhances the best interests of the beneficiaries, within limits stipulated by the trust deed. He may not profit from his administration of the trust except to collect a reasonable fee for his services. The duty of care requires him to manage trust assets with at least as much care as a prudent person would exercise in managing his own assets. Additionally, in most states, the law requires a trustee to provide periodic accountings to beneficiaries detailing his disposition of trust assets.#N#Read More: Trustee Duties for a Revocable Trust After Death

When does a trust become irrevocable?

A trust becomes automatically irrevocable when the grantor passes away. If the trust is revocable, you may ask the grantor to revoke it and establish a new trust with a new trustee. This does not require a court order. If it is irrevocable, some states allow it to be revoked without a court order if the trust grantor and all beneficiaries consent.

What is the purpose of a trust protector?

Some trust deeds appoint a "trust protector," whose sole function is to hire and fire trustees. If the trust has a trust protector, you might present your grievances to him and ask that the trustee be replaced.

Can a trustee refuse to pay a beneficiary?

Yes, a trustee can refuse to pay a beneficiary if the trust allows them to do so.

When can a beneficiary sue a trustee?

A beneficiary can sue a trustee for breach of fiduciary duty if the trustee fails to distribute trust assets as required by the trust instrument.

When should I contact a trust litigation attorney?

If you are the beneficiary of a trust and the trustee is refusing to make distributions you are entitled to receive, or if you are trustee who is being asked to make distributions you are unsure can or should be made, you should contact a trust litigation attorney as soon as possible to determine the best course of action in your situation.