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Many people utilize trusts to protect and manage their assets and ensure that these assets are properly distributed to their beneficiaries either before or after their death. However, the laws regarding trusts are changing. Effective January 1st, 2020, the Illinois Trust Code (ITC) will be replacing the current Illinois Trusts and Trustees Act. The ITC is linked in certain ways to the Uniform Trust Code (UTC), which is an arrangement of laws designed to establish consistent trust laws between different states. Before the ITC is implemented, trust makers and trustees may need to review their current trusts and determine how the changes to the law may affect them. 

New Default and Mandatory Rules


When a person creates a trust, they place their assets in the control of a trustee, who will oversee the process of managing these assets and distributing them to the beneficiaries according to the terms defined in the trust. The ITC specifies a number of rules that must be followed regarding trusts. While a trust may provide a trustee and beneficiaries with certain rights, powers, duties, limitations, and immunities, the ITC states that:
– A trustee must act in good faith.
– The trust must be lawful and cannot violate public policy.
– A trust may nominate one or more people to serve as the designated representative of a qualified beneficiary, and this representative must act in good faith in the best interests of the beneficiary.
– A trust may not be enforced for more than 21 years.
– The court is granted the power to modify or terminate a trust.
– Spendthrift provisions can be authorized by the court.
– A person who is acting as an agent in a power of attorney must have express authorization in order to act on behalf of a trust settlor. 
– The court may adjust the compensation provided to a trustee if it is deemed to be too high or low.
– A trustee must notify each qualified beneficiary of the trust’s existence, the beneficiaries’ right to a copy of the trust, and whether the beneficiary can receive or request trust accountings. 
– A trustee must send an annual trust accounting to the current beneficiaries.
– A trustee must send a trust accounting to all of the beneficiaries upon the termination of a trust.
– If a trust contains terms waiving a trustee’s liability for breaching the terms of the trust, these terms may be unenforceable.

Contact a Schaumburg Estate Planning Lawyer


The ITC may have significant implications for currently-established trusts, as well as for trusts that are created in the future. Before the ITC is enacted, discussing your questions and concerns with an experienced Arlington Heights trusts attorney could help ensure that your rights as a trustee or beneficiary are protected. At Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC, we can help you address any legal issues related to trusts, or we can help you create a trust to protect your assets and distribute them to your beneficiaries. To further discuss your specific situation, contact our office today at 847-934-6000 for a free initial consultation.

About the Author: Attorney Jay Andrew is a founding partner of Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC. He is a graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law and has been practicing in estate planning, probate, trust administration, real estate law, residential/ commercial leasing, contracts, and civil litigation. Since 2005, Jay has been a Chair of the Mock Trial Committee for the Annual Northwest Suburban Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitation which serves over 240 local Illinois students each year.

Sources:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=4001&ChapterID=61