Estate litigation is complex and often emotional when conflict arises between family members grieving the loss of a loved one. Disputes between trustees and beneficiaries or amongst trustees most commonly arise when a concerned party believes the trustee is not fulfilling their duties and obligations.
Trust lawyers play a vital role in navigating these disputes, offering legal guidance to protect the interests of beneficiaries and trustees alike. Their expertise can help clarify legal obligations, interpret trust documents, and ensure compliance with Ontario estate law.
What is a Trust?
A trust is a legal agreement where one party holds title to assets for the benefit of others. In addition, a testamentary trust the testator (person leaving the will) establishes the trust leaving the trustee as owner of the property for the benefit of the recipients of the will, the beneficiaries.
In Ontario, trusts must be properly administered according to both the terms of the trust and the law. When questions arise regarding the administration of a trust, trust lawyers can offer valuable insight and help determine if the trustee is acting appropriately or if legal action is required.
What is the Role of the Executor or Estate Trustee?
Executors or estate trustees are responsible for:
- Collecting the assets of the estate
- Administering the estate
- Calling for creditors to pay any outstanding debts
- Distributing the estate to beneficiaries; and
- Finally, fulfilling other duties as set out in the will
Trust lawyers can assist executors in understanding their duties and liabilities, helping prevent potential disputes before they arise. If conflicts occur, they can represent the estate trustee or the opposing party in resolving the matter efficiently and fairly.
Types of Trust Disputes
As mentioned, the most common types of trust dispute involve the mismanagement of a trust by a trustee. A trustee can abuse their power by failing to keep accurate accounts.
Other common trust disputes include:
- Executor compensation
- Disputes between beneficiaries
- Claims of undue influence
- Removal/replacement of trustees/executors
- Will interpretation
Engaging a trust lawyer early in the process can help manage or even avoid these types of disputes. Their legal expertise can be instrumental in reviewing trustee decisions and ensuring the trust is administered in accordance with the law and the testator’s wishes.
Resolving Trust Disputes
When a concerned party believes that an executor or trustee is not fulfilling his or her duties and obligations, a party can challenge the trustee’s management, challenge the trustee’s accounting or request removal or replacement of trustees.
These forms of action can be taken by parties with a financial interest in the estate. Also, to establish a financial interest, a claimant must present sufficient evidence of a “genuine interest”. In order to have a will considered valid, all parties with a financial interest in the will must be notified of any proceedings or challenges.
Before commencing any form of estate litigation parties should consider alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes such as mediation to solve estate disputes. ADR offers an opportunity to resolve disputes while preserving relationships and reducing the cost associated with estate litigation.
Whether you are a trustee or beneficiary, our experienced trust lawyers and estate lawyers can assist you with any trust dispute. One of our Estate Lawyers can provide you with legal advice on how to proceed to obtain the best outcome for all parties involved. You can reach our office at 905-366-0202 or contact us through our website here to discuss your situation in more detail.
