1. Identifying the type of impairment
At some unknown time, a Trustee of a Living Trustee (usually a parent) may suffer an illness or injury which makes the trustee unable to manage the trust estate (which includes all assets titled in the name of the trust) or unwilling to serve as trustee.
To this extent, it is critical for an interested party (i.e., beneficiaries, trustor or Co-Trustee) to the trust, to identify the basis for the Trustee’s inability to serve. Generally, forgetfulness or being overly trustworthy with unknown persons, may be the early signs of incapacity. Particularly with trustees who are elderly, the early onset of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, a mild stroke or Demetia can be the reason. So too, an internal injury resulting from a fall can be the genesis of mental impairment.
2.Administering the Trust
Since a Trust is an independent legal entity, the actions that must take place when a Trustee becomes incapacitated are generally drafted into the document as express terms. To this end, it is necessary that the Trust instrument is reviewed first with a qualified Trust and Estates attorney to identify: (1) The requirements that must exist for a successor trustee to become the new fiduciary of the estate, including whether the Trustee can simply execute a resignation of their authority and designation of a new trustee; and (2) the types of legally sufficient medical evaluations that will usually be required.
But, as a word of caution, utilizing the same attorney who drafted the trust may create a potential conflict of interest depending upon the facts of the case. Thoughtful consideration should be given to obtaining a separate attorney who would assist in the administration, or at least give an independent opinion on the issue of conflict.
3.Obtain Qualified Medical Opinion(s) in Writing
If a family member has been given the authority under a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Authorization to obtain the trustee’s private medical information, it may be necessary to discuss with the trustee the requirement of having a neurological or psychological evaluation. In some cases, there may be resistance to this action because the trustee could have been independent for many years. Either way, if the trust instrument calls for a physician’s report, then it will be necessary for these actions to take place, sometimes through court intervention.
4.Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation
Unfortunately, there will be times where there could be financial exploiter who is attempting to obtain information, resources and control of trust assets by making accusations of a Trustee being incapacitated.
In these cases, it may be prudent to petition the court (with notice to all interested parties) having jurisdiction over the trust to determine the current status of the trustee and whether the Successor Trustee or a newly designated trustee should be appointed. By taking this type of action, an exploiter will either be forced to appear in court or will retreat in their attempts to obtain the Trustee’s assets.
5.Trust Administration Documentation
At the point when an attorney or court determines that a Trustee is unable or unwilling to continue serving, it will be necessary for the Successor Trustee to accept their new role as fiduciary.
In Arizona, the trust and the Arizona Trust Code states a Trustee’s fiduciary obligations. And, new documents such as a Certification of Trust will need to be drafted and executed in order to authorize a successor Trustee to act for the Trust. Notice to beneficiaries of a change in trustee will be required. Finally, the Successor Trustee will need to notify all financial institutions who control or manage trust property of the change in office of Trustee and account for all financial actions, and likely compete an annual accounting. These actions should not be taken without the assistance of a competent Trust and Estates attorney.
For more information or if you have questions, please contact the Trust and Probate Administration Professionals at Mesch Clark Rothschild at (520) 624-8886 to make an appointment.
IMPORTANT: Neither this blog article nor any information on this website shall be construed as the offering or rendering of any legal advice, and does not establish an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Mesch Clark Rothschild, (“MCR”) or any attorney at MCR. You should consult with an attorney if you have a specific question regarding your legal issues.
