Users' questions

Are there problems when siblings act as co-trustees?

Are there problems when siblings act as co-trustees?

On the face of it, yes. But as an experienced estate planning attorney I invariably find myself cautioning these parents. Problems almost certainly will arise whenever siblings act as co-trustees. The challenges begin with hassles such as having to co-sign bank, mortgage and escrow documents relating to the trust.

When do you become a co-trustee of a family trust?

You are happy to help. You are later added as co-trustee when Aunt Joan falls ill. Sadly she passes away and a couple of months later Uncle Dan moves the funds into his own trust and starts spending them. You don’t concern yourself too much but something is gnawing at you.

What are the powers of a co trustee?

If a co-trustee does not agree with another co-trustee’s action or decision, they have the authority to object in writing and, if necessary, submit a petition in probate court to try to prevent it.

What happens when a grantor names multiple trustees?

When a grantor names multiple trustees, or co-trustees, they are responsible for co-managing the trust’s assets. It is important to know what and how much power each co-trustee has over the management of the trust’s assets.

On the face of it, yes. But as an experienced estate planning attorney I invariably find myself cautioning these parents. Problems almost certainly will arise whenever siblings act as co-trustees. The challenges begin with hassles such as having to co-sign bank, mortgage and escrow documents relating to the trust.

Can a co-trustee be named in an estate plan?

Here’s one such hazard: When people with children set up their estate plan they often feel that they should treat them all equally by naming them all as co-trustees. Sounds fair and just? On the face of it, yes. But as an experienced estate planning attorney I invariably find myself cautioning these parents.

If a co-trustee does not agree with another co-trustee’s action or decision, they have the authority to object in writing and, if necessary, submit a petition in probate court to try to prevent it.

When a grantor names multiple trustees, or co-trustees, they are responsible for co-managing the trust’s assets. It is important to know what and how much power each co-trustee has over the management of the trust’s assets.

How are brothers and sisters divided in Florida?

For instance, everyone agrees to sell the condo in South Florida, the second home in Miami Beach, the retirement home in the over-50 community. The brothers and sisters get together, work with a Florida real estate agent and sell the place, splitting the net proceeds.

What are the problems of successor co-trustees in a trust?

This can also slow down or cause problems when one trustee goes out of town for vacation, is incapacitated, etc. A well written trust agreement should provide for replacement of a co-trustee who cannot serve for some reason, or state that the remaining co-trustee can act alone in this scenario.

You are happy to help. You are later added as co-trustee when Aunt Joan falls ill. Sadly she passes away and a couple of months later Uncle Dan moves the funds into his own trust and starts spending them. You don’t concern yourself too much but something is gnawing at you.

Who are the sisters that killed their father?

Linda Roberts, 62, and Mary-Beth Tomaselli, 63, were charged with first-degree murder on Tuesday, exactly four years after they allegedly killed their ailing father, Anthony Tomaselli, on March 5, 2015.

What did two sisters do to their father?

The two sisters then went to bed and left their dead father on the couch all night, Gualtieri said. The women said that they “faked” finding their father dead the next morning and staged the act of providing him CPR and calling 911 for help, according to the recordings.

Why did brothers fight over a family trust?

• Brothers fought over how much to spend on their mother’s nursing home. • A wealthy family fought over selling family stock (a famous beverage company). • Siblings fought over an equal inheritance because they received unequal gifts while their parents were alive.

Can my brother who is the executor and trustee of my?

Under the law, your brother has various duties and obligations regarding the trust and the estate. However, if nobody is watching his actions, then he will likely do what he wants and it could be very difficult to undo much of that. An attorney can take steps, including primarily filing proper petitions in court, to help protect your rights.

• Brothers fought over how much to spend on their mother’s nursing home. • A wealthy family fought over selling family stock (a famous beverage company). • Siblings fought over an equal inheritance because they received unequal gifts while their parents were alive.

Can a family member act as a co-trustee?

A trust (and other legal documents such as a Power of Attorney), may allow successor co-trustees to act in concert and exercise their powers jointly, or it may be written to allow either co-trustee to act independently. Family members may be excellent candidates to serve as co-trustees or successor trustees when a Grantor is alive.

Who is the executor and trustee of my fathers estate?

My brother has been appointed trustee/executor of my fathers trust/estate. My father had a large estate of cars, antique guns, planes, property etc. It appears that my brother just plans on taking whatever he wants and not discussing with me or my other brother.

Here’s one such hazard: When people with children set up their estate plan they often feel that they should treat them all equally by naming them all as co-trustees. Sounds fair and just? On the face of it, yes. But as an experienced estate planning attorney I invariably find myself cautioning these parents.

Why did my sister take over my mother’s estate?

Your sister appears to have overstepped her role as executor, and views it as a free license to do as she pleases, and lord it over the rest of you. She is beholden to the laws of her state where your mother died, and must act accordingly.