What happens to a discretionary trust when the trustee dies?

Asked by: Creola Oberbrunner  |  Last update: November 15, 2025
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The trust's terms give instructions for what happens if a trustee dies. The probate court will appoint a trustee if there's no one to fill the position. You can name a successor trustee or a co-trustee to ensure there is someone to take over managing your trust.

What happens to a discretionary trust on death?

Including a trust can give you control over what happens to your property in the long-term. You can name who you want to inherit the property, whilst allowing someone to live there after your death (but they will not own it). Then, when they die, it will go to the person or people you've named.

What happens to a trust if the trustee dies?

When they pass away, a successor trustee takes control of your trust. Furthermore, let's assume that you were also the trustee of a revocable trust. In this case, the successor trustee will take over the duties of the trustee, thus taking your place in terms of trust management.

Can a discretionary trust distribute to a deceased person?

Yes, if a beneficiary dies then the trustee may make a distribution to the beneficiary's estate - the Cleardocs discretionary trust deed has 2 requirements to allow for this: There must be a testamentary trust in the deceased beneficiary's will; and.

What is the downside of a discretionary trust?

Not all potential beneficiaries are guaranteed to benefit, as trustees have discretion over who receives benefits and how much. This may lead to some intended beneficiaries missing out.

When a Living Revocable Trust's Grantor Dies

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Who owns the assets in a discretionary trust?

Trustees. The trustees are the legal owners of the assets held in a trust. Their role is to: deal with the assets according to the settlor's wishes, as set out in the trust deed or their will.

How to get money out of a discretionary trust?

Beneficiaries of a discretionary trust are not entitled to receive anything as of right. Instead the beneficiaries have the potential to receive money and the right to ask the trustees to exercise their discretion in their favour.

Can creditors go after a discretionary trust?

Since the purpose of the trust is to provide support for the beneficiary, he cannot alienate his interest in the trust. Thus, the beneficiary's creditors cannot attach the funds in the trust.

What is the purpose of a discretionary trust?

Discretionary trusts are sometimes set up to put assets aside for: a future need, like a grandchild who may need more financial help than other beneficiaries at some point in their life. beneficiaries who are not capable or responsible enough to deal with money themselves.

How does a trust get distributed after death?

Trusts could call for distributions to be made to beneficiaries as a lump sum or over time. It is important that you, as the trustee, understand the terms of the trust so that you are making distributions in the manner that's instructed. Trustees should be mindful of making distributions in a timely fashion.

What is the 120 day rule for trusts?

The Timeline for Challenging a California Trust

Once a beneficiary or heir receives this notice, they have only 120 days to contest the trust. If they wait more than 120 days, their challenge will be dismissed without consideration, and they will be forever barred from attempting another contest.

Who has more right, a trustee or the 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.

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 happens to a trust when one trustee dies?

But when the Trustee of a Revocable Trust dies, it is up to their Successor to settle their loved one's affairs and close the Trust. The Successor Trustee follows what the Trust lays out for all assets, property, and heirlooms, as well as any special instructions.

Who controls a discretionary trust?

An entity controls the discretionary trust if the trustee either acts, or might reasonably be expected to act, in accordance with the directions or wishes of the entity/or the entity's affiliates, or both the entity and its affiliates.

How does a discretionary trust fail?

If a discretionary trust is set up during the settlor's lifetime, the assets within that trust may fall outside their own estate if they die at least seven years after putting the assets into the trust.

What are the downsides of a discretionary trust?

Other potential drawbacks or considerations to keep in mind may include:
  • Limited control over the property held in the trust, as the trustee has discretion over how income and assets are distributed.
  • Restrictions on borrowing or accessing credit, as lenders may be hesitant to lend to trusts.

What happens when the beneficiary of a discretionary trust dies?

They remain in the trust. The deceased beneficiary's entitlements under the trust also cease. If the beneficiary had been receiving regular income distributions, these will stop upon their death.

What happens at the end of a discretionary trust?

Other trusts, such as Discretionary Trusts, usually end when the trustees exercise their powers to bring the trust to an end and distribute all of the assets. When taking steps to end a trust, trustees should consider: Recording their final actions in trustee minutes.

Who benefits from a discretionary trust?

Unlike many other trusts, a discretionary trust fund allows you to make financial provision in a way that does not affect means-tested benefits or entitlements. The future is a worry for many people who have a relative or friend with a learning disability or autism. We can help reduce that worry.

What is the best trust to avoid creditors?

An irrevocable trust offers your assets the most protection from creditors and lawsuits. Assets in an irrevocable trust aren't considered personal property. This means they're not included when the IRS values your estate to determine if taxes are owed.

What is the period of a discretionary trust?

A Discretionary Trust may continue for up to 125 years from its creation. This was limited to 80 years for trusts created before 6 April 2010. The trust deed sets out the Settlor's wishes on how any assets which are not distributed by the trustees must devolve when the trust comes to an end.

How do trust funds pay out after death?

The grantor can set up the trust so the money is distributed directly to the beneficiaries free and clear of limitations. The trustee can transfer real estate to the beneficiary by having a new deed written up or selling the property and giving them the money, writing them a check or giving them cash.

What is the 10 year charge on a discretionary trust?

How is the 10-Year Charge calculated? The calculation of the 10-Year Charge for discretionary trusts, classified as 'relevant property' trusts, requires evaluating the total trust assets against the nil-rate band and applying a 6% tax rate on any excess value.

Can you change the trustee of a discretionary trust?

If there are discretionary trusts, the class of beneficiaries must be closed and all members of the class must consent. If the above conditions are satisfied, the beneficiaries can give written direction to a trustee or trustees to retire from the trust and/or to the appointment of a new trustee.