Ideally, the creation of a particular trust meets the needs of the settlor and their beneficiaries for years to come. In some cases, though, a trust may no longer meet those needs. In many cases, an experienced attorney could help residents of Wheaton with trust modification and termination. However, the nature of the trust plays a significant role in whether or not that is possible.

Because of the minute details that go into trust and estate law, it is important to work with a practiced attorney throughout the process. Whether your goal is to modify a trust or terminate it completely, experienced legal counsel could help you avoid mistakes that could harm our estate plan.

Modifying a Trust

Modifying a trust involves changing the terms without ending the trust entirely. These modifications could relate to a trust’s terms, beneficiaries, or the trustee. A modification could also involve granting the trustee with additional authority or adding new terms to a trust on top of the original language.

The first question to ask regarding the ability to modify a trust is whether it is revocable. While a revocable trust could be modified at any time, an irrevocable trust typically requires a court order to make any changes. In Wheaton, state law also allows for the modification of an irrevocable trust when all relevant parties agree to a legally binding settlement. Through this option, parties can make changes to a trust without the need to file a court petition. If any parties do not consent to this change, however, a court order is necessary to modify an irrevocable trust.

It is best to work with an attorney to modify either a revocable or irrevocable trust. In either case, a seemingly minor error could have a devastating impact on the trust moving forward.

Terminating a Trust in Wheaton

There is more than one way to terminate a trust according to state law. In many cases, trusts include a set termination date. In others, trusts terminate with the passing of the settlor. In these trust cases, no additional action is required for termination.

In some instances, a settlor or beneficiary might seek to terminate a trust early. This process works much the same way as a modification would. Even with irrevocable trusts, termination is possible if each party agrees. However, terminating the trust without unanimous consent can lead to a challenge in court.

When there is a dispute regarding the termination of a trust, a lawsuit is often inevitable. In addition to deciding the outcome of a fight over termination, the court could also award damages to a party if necessary. This damage award could require a trustee to pay compensation for violating their duties or for a beneficiary to cover the court costs if they do not prevail in their challenge. The court could also order the trustee to transfer the property they hold for the trust to the beneficiaries.

How an Attorney Could Help with Wheaton Trust Modification and Termination

If you are considering the termination or modification of your trust, it is important that you do not act alone. Trust documents are complex, and even the smallest error could have lasting unintentional consequences, but especially for the modification or termination of a trust in Wheaton.

By working with an experienced attorney, you could avoid these consequences and resolve any issues you have with the trust. By understanding the process and working with skilled legal counsel, you improve your chances of avoiding costly errors.