The Illinois Trust Code (ITC) went into effect on January 1, 2020, replacing the former Illinois Trusts and Trustees Act and implementing a number of changes that affect trust makers, trustees, and beneficiaries. One notable adjustment is known as the “prudent investor rule,” and it affects a trustee’s ability to make investment decisions regarding the assets in a trust. Before any investment actions are taken by a trustee, it is important to review and understand the rights and responsibilities defined in the ITC.

Understanding the Prudent Investor Rule


Trustees are responsible for investing and managing the assets of a trust, and they have the duty to act prudently when making investments. This includes considering the purpose and terms of the trust, the distribution requirements, and other relevant information. Under the ITC, a trustee may also consider the environmental and social impact of investment decisions, as well as the governance policies of entities where assets are invested. Before making an investment, a trustee should consider:
The economic conditions that may affect the investment
The possibility of inflation or deflation
The anticipated tax costs and consequences of the investment
How a specific investment can affect the overall portfolio
The anticipated total return
The duty to sustain only feasible and suitable costs
The need for liquidity, regular income, and preservation of capital

The ITC does allow a trustee to examine whether a trust asset has a relationship to the purpose of the trust, or to one or more of the beneficiaries, in order to help determine what to do with the asset. For example, if a trustee believes that real estate property held in a trust is of no value to the trust itself or the beneficiaries, he or she may suggest that the property be sold. A trustee is not eligible to become a beneficiary for the purpose of protecting his or her good faith in connection to the trust.

Contact a Mount Prospect Trust Attorney


The ITC has put a wide variety of rule changes in place. For trustees who manage the assets of a trust, it is imperative to understand how the prudent investor rule affects the decisions they make. To protect against liability or any other legal issues, all trust makers and trustees should seek legal counsel to determine how the ITC will affect them. At  Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC, our knowledgeable South Barrington estate planning lawyers can help you understand your rights and responsibilities and address any concerns you may have as a trust maker, trustee, or beneficiary. To schedule a free consultation, contact our office today at 847-934-6000. 

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