Creating an irrevocable trust can feel daunting.
You’re establishing a legal entity governed by terms that are, for the most part, set in stone and crafted in a complex document that’s not easily altered.
When drafting these trusts, it often feels like you need to predict the future to structure them wisely. But if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that the crystal ball tends to crack right when you need it to most.
Take my client, for instance. When they established their irrevocable trust years ago, it was well before the birth of their grandson with special needs. Consequently, the trust did not include provisions for distributing assets in a way that aligned with his unique planning requirements. Irrevocable trusts can be difficult to modify—even in cases where doing so would clearly benefit the beneficiary. So, what happens when circumstances evolve and the trust no longer fits the situation? Can the trust be amended?
Fortunately, in some cases, a solution exists.
There are a variety of reasons why one may want to change an irrevocable trust. These reasons could include:
There are several avenues through which an irrevocable trust may be modified. Common methods include:
In specific circumstances, a court may permit modifications to an irrevocable trust when it determines that the changes are in the best interests of the beneficiaries and uphold the trust’s original purpose—especially in light of evolving circumstances or unforeseen developments that call for adjustments.
For example, the client referenced earlier in this article, with the support of their estate attorney, petitioned the court to modify the terms of their trust. The court allowed them to redirect the potential inheritance into a separate trust specifically designed for the intended beneficiary. This approach prevented an outright distribution of assets, which could have had serious consequences—including the potential loss of government benefits.
Historically, modifying an irrevocable trust often required a time-consuming and expensive court proceeding, with legal fees sometimes climbing into the tens of thousands. However, an alternative approach known as “decanting” may offer a more efficient solution. Decanting lets trustees change certain terms of the trust by figuratively pouring the assets from an old trust into a new one. This process can introduce more favorable terms and greater flexibility into the new trust, while still honoring the original trust’s intent or “spirit.” However, trustees are bound by certain limitations. For instance, in order to decant a trust, the governing agreement must grant the trustee discretionary authority over the principal. Another limitation is that trustees cannot change a beneficiary’s already-vested interest in a trust. However, they have authority to delay the age at which a beneficiary receives a payout from the trust or relocate the trust to a state that offers greater flexibility regarding taxes or administrative roles.
If the trustee wants to resign, decanting can make it easier to name a new trustee. Decanting a trust takes place outside of the court system, which may make it a more cost-effective alternative. Just over half of all states permit decanting trusts. There can be complex estate and income tax considerations involved in this strategy, so it’s important to work closely with your advisory team.
Some trusts include a designated party known as a “trust protector.” Typically, a disinterested third party, the trust protector, may be granted specific powers under the trust document, including the authority to make certain modifications.
For example, a trust protector might have the ability to remove a trustee who is failing to meet their fiduciary responsibilities and appoint a replacement. Additionally, they might be empowered to revise provisions that inadvertently trigger adverse tax consequences for a beneficiary.
The role of a trust protector is both strategic and administrative. Their presence can be especially valuable in trusts designed to last for many years, providing flexibility to adapt to changes in laws or personal circumstances over time.
Each state has its own nuances and legal provisions regarding trust modifications, and approval is never guaranteed. While the very nature of an irrevocable trust implies permanence, all hope isn’t lost if circumstances evolve.
If you find yourself in a situation where a modification may be necessary, it’s essential to consult with your wealth manager, estate attorney, and tax professionals to explore a potential path forward.
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