Trusts Flashcards
Express Trust
created intentionally
Private Express Trust
created to benefit private, non-charitable beneficiaries
Charitable Trusts
has some charitable purpose, rather than conferring benefit on individuals
Implied trusts
Arise by operation of law
Constructive Trusts
imposed to deprive wrongdoer from retaining improperly obtained property
Resulting Trusts
imposed irrespective of wrongdoing when the circumstances require it
Parties to a trust
Settlor, trustee, beneficiary
Income beneficiary
present interest in the trust fund
Remainder beneficiary
remainder interest in trust fund, generally principal
Duties of Trustee
Loyalty and good faith
Elements of a Trust
1) a settlor with capacity and mandatory language
2) delivery of specific trust property
3) an ascertainable beneficiary
4) active duties imposed on the trustee
5) a proper trust purpose
6) a trustee
Property that cannot be put into trust
Mere expectations, unearned profits, debts owed to trustee
Purpose that offends public policy
Delete that language, determine what settlor would have wanted instead
Totten Trust
arrangement with a bank that allows the depositor to open a bank account in depositor’s name as trustee for other parties
Wait and see doctrine
court’s determination of whether RAP has been violated depends upon what actually happens rather than what might happen
Duty of loyalty
-prohibited from self dealing in any manner
-cannot obtain any personal benefit beyond fees
- cannot interact with beneficiaries and have business with them
-cannot have even apparent conflicts of interest
Principal
amount originally received, plus capital gains less debts, expenses and capital losses
Income
interest, receipts, dividends, and other income earned by principal
Disposition of principal
sales proceeds, stock dividends are allocated to principal of trust and protected for ultimate distribution
-extraordinary repairs
Disposition of income
rents and cash dividends are allocated to trust income and distributed to income beneficiaries
-ordinary expenses
Prudent Busi8ness Person Rule
Trustees must use degree of skill, care, and prudence that would be reasonably used by a business person in their own personal affairs
Liability for duty to beneficiaries
Always liable for results of breach
Liability for breach of duty of care in investing
must personally recompense trust for losses
Liability for successor-trustee liability
IF T knew of previous T’s breach and failed to take appropriate action, liability attaches