Skip to main content
 This program is not active.
Self-Study

2022 Drafting Distribution Provisions in Trusts


Total Credits: 1.2 Self Study

Practice Area:
Trusts, Estate Planning & Probate
Format:
Audio and Video


Description

Original program date 1/14/2022

Distribution provisions are the most essential provisions of trust instruments – and risk lurks everywhere.  If a trustee has unbounded discretion, he or she risks a “general power of appointment,” which would cause the trust’s assets to be taxable to the holder of the power of appointment.  But distribution standards – especially for “standard of living” or “emergencies” – are inherently susceptible to multiple interpretations and dispute, and potentially to litigation.  Ultimately, planning and drafting these provisions is an exercise in risk management and tradeoffs.  This program will provide you with a real world guide to planning and drafting distribution provisions in trust instruments, including the tradeoffs and risks. 

•    Risks of discretionary distributions – power of appointment, taxable inclusion, litigation
•    Cost/benefit of heavily detailed v. general distribution provisions
•    Ascertainable standards – health, education, maintenance, and support (HEMs)
•    Drafting sole and absolute discretion, emergencies, best interests, and standard of living 
•    Role of fiduciary duties in making distribution decisions
•    Tax considerations when making distributions

Note: This material qualifies for self-study credit only. Pursuant to Regulation 15.04.5, a lawyer may receive up to six hours of self-study credit in a reporting year. Self-study programs do not qualify for GAL Certification, ethics, elimination of bias or Kansas credit.

Materials

Cancellation Policy

Click HERE to review the Cancellation Policy.