When a trust is created, many different people may have an interest in how it is administered. For example, it is common for the trust documents to allow one person to benefit immediately (i.e. a spouse), with others to receive the assets upon that beneficiary’s death (i.e. the children). Those who are set to inherit later obviously have a stake in how the trust is managed. Mismanagement may affect their interests.
But what happens if those future beneficiaries are children, disabled, or otherwise unable to effectively advocate for their interests? One solution is to go to court and have a judge appoint a guardian to act in their interest. But that process often takes significant time, is costly, and may be ineffective if the future beneficiaries are unknown, like unborn children.
Reaching an Agreement
Is there a way to settle disagreements involving a trust without going to court? Fortunately, there is.
Illinois has a “virtual representation” statute which allows select individuals to represent the interests of others to craft agreements, often dealing with disputes regarding a trust. Essentially, this law allows different parties to create agreements which avoid litigation and are binding on some future beneficiaries.
When used properly, these settlement agreements can solve ambiguities in the trust document, delineate duties of the trustee, and account for many other administrative issues. As a result, these agreements can be incredibly efficient, eliminating the risk of prolonged legal battles down the road.
Many Illinois residents are well served by exploring use of virtual representation to reach a nonjudicial agreement. However, it is important to proceed cautiously, usually with the aid of an attorney. When not created properly, the agreement may not hold up. Under the law, to be valid the primary beneficiaries must all be adults and legally competent. The trustee must also be a party to the agreement. Notably, the agreement cannot change the terms of the trust. In addition, the primary beneficiary must not have a conflict of interest with those who are being bound. To qualify as a primary beneficiary the individual must currently receive income or principal from the trust. Alternatively, the individual must be eligible to receive a distribution of principal at a certain date.
Learn More
Do you want to learn more about using virtual representation effectively? These issues are quite complex, and so it is helpful to contact a Palatine estate planning attorney to make sure you are doing everything in your power to protect your long-term interests. The law office of Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC serves clients in Palatine, Arlington Heights, Crystal Lake and other suburban Chicago areas.