Can a trustee delay distributions?

Sometimes yes. Trustees may delay distributions because of unresolved debts, taxes, lawsuits, business interests, property sales, or disputes among beneficiaries.

Certain trusts are also intentionally designed to delay distributions in order to protect beneficiaries from creditors, divorce, lawsuits, poor financial judgment, or substance abuse concerns. However, unreasonable or unexplained delays may violate the trustee’s fiduciary duties.

 

Philip J. Kavesh
Helping clients with customized estate planning guidance and trust & estate administration for over 45 years.