Q&A

Can a trustee of trust be sued?

Can a trustee of trust be sued?

While you technically cannot sue a family trust, you can sue the trustee of a family trust if you have a claim to assets held by that trust, or if you think that the trustee is mismanaging or stealing from the trust.

Can a trustee sue a former trustee?

The question typically asked is as follows: “can a beneficiary sue a Trustee?” The simple answer is Yes, you can sue a trustee of a trust if you feel they breached their fiduciary duty, but remember, there are a few crucial factors you should consider before attempting to incur cost and time.

Can a trustee be sued individual in California?

A failure to join the trust may be a failure to join an indispensable party. Because a trust is not a legal entity (like a corporation), it cannot sue or be sued, but rather legal proceedings are properly directed at the trustee.

Can a trust be sued as an individual?

You should… Because a trust is not a legal entity (like a corporation), it cannot sue or be sued, but rather legal proceedings are properly directed at the trustee. As such, the trustee is typically sued as an individual and as the trustee of X trust. The information/answer is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Consult an attorney…

When do creditors have to sue the trustee?

That individual or entity is the trustee. In other words, the creditors must sue the trustee. As such, if the trustee holds the trust’s assets, creditors trying to reach assets of the trust should name the trustee in their lawsuit. Naming the trust itself is ineffective.

Can a trustee bring a claim against a beneficiary?

The trustee misappropriated trust property for personal gain. When property disputes are against beneficiaries, heirs or third parties, it is generally the trustee’s job to bring the claim since they are supposed to represent the best interests of the trust and its beneficiaries.

Can a creditor sue a living trust in California?

When creditors attack a living trust in California in order to reach the assets, they must strictly follow the rules and procedures outlined by the law and the courts. Failing to do so could make it impossible for creditors to collect on their claims. In some cases, the majority of the assets available to the creditor may be held in the trust.

What is reasonable compensation for a trustee in California?

Reasonable Compensation for a Trustee in California A trustee in California (and subsequently San Diego) has a broad discretion to determine their compensation if it is not stated directly in the trust instrument. Although the simple solution is to include a value in the trust,…

That individual or entity is the trustee. In other words, the creditors must sue the trustee. As such, if the trustee holds the trust’s assets, creditors trying to reach assets of the trust should name the trustee in their lawsuit. Naming the trust itself is ineffective.

How are trust funds distributed in California probate?

The Basics of California Trust Distributions Under Probate Code section 16000, a trustee has a duty to administer the trust according to the trust instrument. This duty requires the trustee to distribute trust assets to the beneficiaries as mandated by the trust document.