Can trustees spend money?

Asked by: Ms. Eleanora Russel I  |  Last update: September 18, 2025
Score: 5/5 (3 votes)

The trustee generally has the authority to withdraw money from a trust to cover the cost of third-party professionals, as well as any other expenses arising as a result of administration.

What happens if a trustee spends the money?

Ultimately, trustees can only withdraw money from a trust account for specific expenses within certain limitations. Their duties require them to comply with the grantor's wishes. If they breach their fiduciary duties, they will be removed as the trustee and face a surcharge for compensatory damages.

Can a trustee use money?

As a trustee, you must use the money or assets in the trust only for the beneficiary's benefit. Everything you do as a trustee must be done in the beneficiary's best interests.

Can a trustee use money for themselves?

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.

What can a trustee and cannot do?

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.

Can a trustee take all the money?

19 related questions found

Can a trustee take your money?

But generally, the trustee is entitled to use trust funds to pay for things like: Funeral and burial expenses for yourself or a trust beneficiary. Expenses related to properties included in the trust, such as repairs or property insurance. Repaying any debts owed by your estate when you pass away.

What was not allowed during the trustee period?

Georgia colonists complained the most, however, about three of the trustees' regulations: (1) restrictions on land ownership and inheritance, (2) a ban on slavery, and (3) prohibitions on rum and other hard liquors.

Can a trustee spend the money?

The trustee generally has the authority to withdraw money from a trust to cover the cost of third-party professionals, as well as any other expenses arising as a result of administration.

Can a trustee take everything?

Serving as the trustee of a trust instills a person with significant power. They have access to all the trust assets, but with a catch: They can only use those assets to carry out the instructions of the trust.

Can a trustee check your bank account?

They have a right to perform a full audit of your accounts or check them any time it is necessary.

Can a trustee gift money?

My Trustee may make gifts on my behalf, limited in amount to the federal annual gift tax exclusion amount, to or for the benefit of any remainder or contingent beneficiary named in this agreement for purposes my Trustee considers to be in my best interest or in the best interest of the beneficiary, including, without ...

Can a trustee spend the money in an irrevocable trust?

Yes, a trustee can withdraw money from an irrevocable trust, but only to pay for third-party expenses and not for personal reasons. This is because it is the trustee's responsibility to manage the trust according to the to the wishes of grantor.

Who Cannot act as a trustee?

Anyone 16 and over (18 for an Unincorporated Association or Charitable Trust) who is not 'disqualified' can be a Trustee. The reasons for disqualification were set down by the Charities Act 2011, and were designed to prevent people convicted of financial crimes, or who made serious financial errors, becoming trustees.

Can a trustee steal money from a trust?

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.

Can a trustee claim expenses from the trust?

Those expenses are reimbursable, regardless of whether the trust document specifies any guidelines for reimbursement. The trustee, however, would need to keep accurate records of their out-of-pocket expenses, including mileage, to be able to claim reimbursement.

What is the biggest mistake parents make when setting up a trust fund?

One of the biggest mistakes parents make when setting up a trust fund is choosing the wrong trustee to oversee and manage the trust. This crucial decision can open the door to potential theft, mismanagement of assets, and family conflict that derails your child's financial future.

What are the risks of being a trustee?

Trustees are personally liable for all decisions they take in that capacity, and their liability is not automatically limited to the value of the trust fund. Typically, the trust deed will limit trustees' liability in some way and these clauses should be checked, as well as any existing trustee insurance.

What happens if a trustee refuses to give beneficiary money?

If the trustee is not paying beneficiaries accurately or on time, legal action can be taken against them.

Can an executor override a trustee?

An executor does not possess the power to overrule or change the terms established by a trust; these roles carry separate responsibilities. An executor's role consists of overseeing and closing an estate as per its will's instructions without disrupting or interfering with their independent functions as trustee.

What can a trustee not do?

Failing to properly invest trust funds, engaging in self-dealing, and preferring one beneficiary over the other beneficiaries are the more frequent ways a trustee mismanages a trust or breaches his or her fiduciary duty.

What is an example of trustee misconduct?

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.

Does trustee have a lot of power?

Trustees hold legal powers such as managing assets, making investment decisions, distributing funds to beneficiaries, and ensuring compliance with trust terms and laws.

What are the rules of a trustee?

7 Important Duties of a Trustee in California
  • Duty of Loyalty. ...
  • Duty of Impartiality. ...
  • Duty to Avoid Conflicts of Interest. ...
  • Duty of Disclosure of Information. ...
  • Duty Not to Delegate. ...
  • Duty to Enforce or Defend Claims. ...
  • Duty to Keep Trust Assets Separate from trustee's own property.

What did the trustees ban?

Between 1735 and 1750 Georgia was the only British American colony to attempt to prohibit Black slavery as a matter of public policy. The decision to ban slavery was made by the founders of Georgia, the Trustees.

What can a trustee not delegate?

(a) The trustee has a duty not to delegate to others the performance of acts that the trustee can reasonably be required personally to perform and may not transfer the office of trustee to another person nor delegate the entire administration of the trust to a cotrustee or other person.