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.
While trustees may temporarily be able to delay trust distributions if a valid reason exists for them doing so, they are rarely entitled to hold trust assets indefinitely or refuse beneficiaries the gifts they were left through the trust.
Fiduciary Duty to Beneficiaries
The trustee must always put the beneficiaries' interests ahead of their own and avoid conflicts of interest. If a trustee withdraws money for personal reasons or uses trust assets inappropriately, they can be held personally liable for any losses to the trust.
Trustees have an obligation to provide beneficiaries with in-depth reports annually until the trust is terminated. A report should include the assets' market values, gains and losses, expenses/fees incurred, receipts and disbursements.
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.
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.
While a trustee may not legally withhold trust assets based on their own discretion, they may withhold assets if the power and discretion is afforded to them by the terms laid out in the trust document.
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.
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.
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.
Generally speaking, once a trust becomes irrevocable, the trustee is entirely in control of the trust assets and the donor has no further rights to the assets and may not be a beneficiary or serve as a 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.
A trustee can end up having to pay taxes out of their own personal funds if they fail to take action on behalf of the estate in a timely way. Of course, they can also face criminal liability for such crimes as taking money out of a trust to pay for their own kids' college tuition. Yup, that's stealing.
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.
Experience and Knowledge. Another key consideration is whether the individual or entity is qualified to act as trustee. If the trust has substantial assets, an individual with experience managing significant assets or with a background in finance or investments may be better suited to the role of trustee.
Assets will not be distributed until certain administrative tasks are carried out, including filing of tax returns, drafting of an accounting, and providing notice to all beneficiaries. Some or all of the assets will often not be distributed until expenses of the trust are paid.
Q: Can an Executor Withhold Money From a Beneficiary in California? A: Executors do not have the authority to act outside the guidelines stipulated in the will. An executor cannot withhold money from a beneficiary unless they are directed to do so through a will or another court-enforceable document.
If you find a trustee is not paying beneficiaries and they are not responding to your case, you can request the judge to order them to take appropriate action. The judge may hold them in contempt if they still don't comply after appearing in court.
A trustee has the duty to manage a trust per the terms set by the creator, but they cannot legally change the contents of a will.
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.
Trusts offer amazing benefits, but they also come with potential downsides like loss of control, limited access to assets, costs, and recordkeeping difficulties.
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.
Trustees can sue beneficiaries for damaging trust property, with specific conditions and time limits for legal actions. Trust litigation attorneys can help trustees navigate their duties, resolve disputes, and comply with state laws to avoid litigation.