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
Trusts and relationships can make for very poor bedfellows. The temptation to remove a former spouse or partner as trustee or beneficiary or to appoint or remove a professional presumed to favour one side over the other (whether or not this is the case) can be tempting. Similarly fraught can be involving children in the … Continue reading
Advisory trustees can provide useful assistance to trustees. However, where an advisory trustee is a professional, this advice can be expected to come at a price. Oldfield v Oldfield explores the balancing of cost and utility regarding the proposed appointment of an advisory trustee. The appointment of an advisory trustee and the utility of this … Continue reading
Walker v Walker is one of many cases that finds itself before the courts requiring assistance with the appointment, retirement or removal of trustees as a result of trustee incapacity. However, one aspect of the case that warrants further interest is the “possibility that former trustees have technically remained trustees because they were not properly … Continue reading
MacIntosh v Thomas relates to the administration of an estate where there has been considerable disharmony between the beneficiaries and the trustees in circumstances where the court has acknowledged that the trustees have displayed “displayed considerable patience, forbearance and professionalism in dealing with the behaviour of the [beneficiaries] …” The decision is largely fact-specific. However, usefully … Continue reading
In Butterfield v Sundberg the applicant seeks directions under s 66 of the Trustee Act 1956 to be commenced by way of originating application pursuant to Part 19 of the High Court Rules to allow the final distribution of the trust estate’s modest assets. The grounds for the application are set out at [15] as follows: … Continue reading
Geneva Trust Company v Tchenguiz is one of many judgments of the Jersey Royal Court that relate to the Tchenguiz Trusts. In this case the Geneva Trust Company (Geneva) sought reimbursement of costs it incurred defending proceedings brought against it in the English High Court. A brief history of the matter is set out in the … Continue reading
Where a trustee wishes to retire, the first inquiry as to how to do so, must be to the terms of the trust. If the trust instrument is silent, then the provisions of the Trustee Act 1956 will prevail. However, what might the position be if the trust instrument provides for retirement, but does not … Continue reading
In the Matter of the Zoanz Trust provides a practical solution where the settlor trustees no longer wish to participate in day-to-day trust administration. As noted at [11]: “The property requires remedial works due to weathertightness issues and the body corporate has issued levies to the Trust. Approximately $250,000 is outstanding. It is necessary for the … Continue reading
The Supreme Court decision granting leave to appeal the Court of Appeal decision regarding the disclosure of legal opinions and advice obtained by the trustees in Addleman v Lambie Trustee Limited (see Rights in information prevail) raises the thorny question, regarding how advice belongs to, or must be disclosed to, when legal advice is sought … Continue reading
