1. When all of the adult beneficiaries having the capacity to contract consent, the court may, upon finding that the interest of any nonconsenting beneficiary will be adequately protected, modify the terms of a noncharitable irrevocable trust so as to reduce or eliminate the interests of some beneficiaries and increase those of others, change the times or amounts of payments and distributions to beneficiaries, or provide for termination of the trust at a time earlier or later than that specified by its terms. The court may at any time upon its own motion appoint a representative pursuant to section 456.3-305 to represent a nonconsenting beneficiary. The court shall appoint such a representative upon the motion of any party, unless the court determines such an appointment is not appropriate under the circumstances.

2. Upon termination of a trust under subsection 1 of this section, the trustee shall distribute the trust property as directed by the court.

Terms Used In Missouri Laws 456.4-411B

  • Beneficiary: A person who is entitled to receive the benefits or proceeds of a will, trust, insurance policy, retirement plan, annuity, or other contract. Source: OCC
  • Continuance: Putting off of a hearing ot trial until a later time.
  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Irrevocable trust: A trust arrangement that cannot be revoked, rescinded, or repealed by the grantor.
  • Property: includes real and personal property. See Missouri Laws 1.020
  • Trustee: A person or institution holding and administering property in trust.

3. If a trust cannot be terminated or modified under subsection 1 of this section because not all adult beneficiaries having capacity to contract consent or the terms of the trust prevent such modification or termination, the modification or termination may be approved by the court if the court is satisfied that the interests of a beneficiary, other than the settlor, who does not consent will be adequately protected, modification or termination will benefit a living settlor who is also a beneficiary, and:

(1) in the case of a termination, the party seeking termination establishes that continuance of the trust is not necessary to achieve any material purpose of the trust; or

(2) in the case of a modification, the party seeking modification establishes that the modification is not inconsistent with a material purpose of the trust, and the modification is not specifically prohibited by the terms of the trust.

4. This section shall replace the provisions of section 456.590* and shall apply to all trusts that were created under trust instruments that become irrevocable prior to, on, or after January 1, 2005.