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Discretionary

This category contains 13 posts

Qualitative vs Quantitative

V Trustees Limited (the Trustee) was concerned to protect the position of C who was the beneficiary of a trust much diminished due to the actions of her litigious brother, A, whose conduct had caused substantial losses with “no signs of the attacks abating.” The matter came before the Jersey Royal Court on an application … Continue reading

It’s not easy being green

Kermit the frog sang “It’s not easy being green.” It’s not always that easy being a beneficiary either. The Sesame Workshop advises that the song is about “… knowing who you are, realizing your own worth and dignity, and becoming more content and comfortable within yourself.” Whether this will help any beneficiaries of discretionary trusts … Continue reading

Is or is not

The question posed by the court in An application by Hoglie Trustees Limited as trustee of the Larry Robertson Family Trust was whether the Larry Robertson Family Trust (the Trust) was void from inception due to lack of certainty as to the Trust’s objects. Relevantly section 15 of the Trusts Act 2019 provide that: As … Continue reading

How binding is a memorandum of wishes?

Rawson v Prescott, which relates to an unsuccessful application for summary judgment on a claim for vacant possession of trust property raises more questions than it answers. The key issue relates to whether trustees are bound to an agreement for the purposes of section 21 of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, that the trustees were … Continue reading

Beneficiary Hostility

In New Zealand Beddoe applications are governed in the first instance by the High Court Rules, which do not extend to prospective costs orders by beneficiaries. Representation of VG Trustee Limited re the B Trust (Re the B Trust) considers whether beneficiaries should have their costs met on account of a successful Beddoe application brought … Continue reading

Redundant

A final beneficiary has a contingent proprietary right, the value of which (if any) can only be determined on the final vesting date.    While such a right can be treated as simply a right to receive trust assets on a final vesting, the status of having such a right can elevate the position of a … Continue reading

Beddoes and beyond

By way of background in Vincent Family Corporate Trust Limited (as trustee of the ET and P Vincent Trusts) as noted by Van Bohemen J (above and below): In Vincent Family Corporate Trustee the parties were urged to find resolution. When this was not possible the court was required to determine matters. Helpfully, Van Bohemen … Continue reading

Turning of the tide?

McGuire v Earl is a successful application for the following trust information: statements of accounts copies of all Minutes and Resolutions any documents pertaining to any distributions all documents pertaining to any gifting or debt incurred, and bank statements for all bank accounts. The trust in question was settled by Mr McGuire’s father and Mr … Continue reading

A fishing we shall not go

Charlotte Gavin and Daniel Powell are siblings who have been engaged in sustained litigation relating to trusts settled for their respective benefit, together with other family members that are their effective inheritances with each only intended to have recourse to the other’s trust if their own trust fails (see Powell v Powell). Charlotte seeks to … Continue reading

Disclosure denied

In Jacomb v Jacomb Cooke J provides a considered assessment of disclosure in the context of a troubled and disenfranchised beneficiary. The case highlights the need for careful analysis of facts when seeking disclosure, the relevant principles, and importantly given that the Trusts Act 2019 will come into full force and effect on 30 January … Continue reading

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