As previously mentioned, trustees generally cannot withhold money from a beneficiary for no reason or indefinitely. Similarly, trustees cannot withdraw money from a trust to benefit themselves, even if the trustee is also a beneficiary.
A trustee typically has the most control in running their trust. They are granted authority by their grantor to oversee and distribute assets according to terms set out in their trust document, while beneficiaries merely reap its benefits without overseeing its operations themselves.
The answer to this question is generally no, although there are certain rare exceptions that could allow the trustee to remove or change a trust beneficiary, or withhold their distribution.
Refinancing the House for a Buyout
Usually, the buying spouse applies for a new mortgage loan in that spouse's name alone. The buying spouse takes out a big enough loan to pay off the previous loan and pay the selling spouse what's owed for the buyout (also called a "cashout refinance").
However, under California law, if the siblings can't agree and any of the siblings want to sell the house they inherited, they can use a legal proceeding known as a “partition action” to force the sale.
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 a trustee accepts an appointment, a “fiduciary” relationship is created between the trustee and the trust's beneficiaries.
Depending on the complexity of the case, it may cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $100,000 or more to dispute the terms of a trust.
Trust beneficiary rights include: The right to a copy of the trust instrument. The right to be kept reasonably informed about the trust and its administration. The right to trust accounting.
A trustee must abide by the trust document and the California Probate Code. They are prohibited from using trust assets for personal gain and must act in the best interest of the beneficiaries. Trust assets are meant for the benefit of the trust beneficiaries and not for the personal use of the trustee.
Typically, a revocable trust with clear provisions for outright distribution might conclude within 12 to 18 months. However, in simpler cases, the process can take an average of 4 to 5 months without complications.
Under California law, embezzling trust funds or property valued at $950 or less is a misdemeanor offense and is punishable by up to 6 months in county jail. If a trustee embezzles more than $950 from the trust, they can be charged with felony embezzlement, which carries a sentence of up to 3 years in jail.
Under California law, beneficiaries can sue a trustee. The initial step is confirming the trustee's identity. Subsequently, one must prove a breach of duty.
Per California trust law, if a trustee takes money from the trust for personal use, even if it's an authorized loan, then this action will be highly scrutinized, and there will be the presumption that they have breached their fiduciary duty of loyalty.
Examples of executor misconduct and trustee misconduct include: Failing to provide accountings to beneficiaries. Favoring one beneficiary over another. Misappropriating or misusing estate or trust assets for personal gain.
Generally, it is substantially easier to successfully contest a will than to contest a trust, and there are several reasons for this. One reason wills are easier to challenge is that testamentary laws govern wills, while contract laws govern trusts. The structure of these documents is also crucial to consider.
Although a trustee can withdraw money from a trust account for specific things, there are limits. A trustee's fiduciary duty requires them to comply with the grantor's wishes, even if they are well-intentioned. If they violate their fiduciary duties by disregarding a grantor's wishes they could be removed as a trustee.
Trusts are an excellent estate planning tool for Californians as they provide asset protection. Although someone generally can't bring a lawsuit against a trust, filing a claim against the trustee can occur.
Selecting the wrong trustee is easily the biggest blunder parents can make when setting up a trust fund. As estate planning attorneys, we've seen first-hand how this critical error undermines so many parents' good intentions.
Dealing with a problem beneficiary
California executors can overrule beneficiary wishes based on the decedent's will or court orders, and align actions with legal requirements. Before making such decisions, it's wise to consult a probate attorney in order to comply with regulations and avoid potential disputes.
If you are the designated beneficiary on a deceased person's bank account, you typically can go to the bank immediately following their death to claim the asset. In general, there is no waiting period for beneficiaries to access the money; however, keep in mind that laws can vary by state and by bank.
While executors have discretion in some areas, your core decision-making is bounded by: The deceased's will. You must follow their distribution wishes rather than diverging based on your own judgments.
No, the oldest child doesn't inherit everything. While it will depend on state laws, most jurisdictions consider all biological and adopted children next of kin, so each child will receive an equal share of the estate, regardless of age or birth order.