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Terms Used In Vermont Statutes Title 14 Sec. 704

  • Fiduciary: A trustee, executor, or administrator.
  • following: when used by way of reference to a section of the law shall mean the next preceding or following section. See
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Person: shall include any natural person, corporation, municipality, the State of Vermont or any department, agency, or subdivision of the State, and any partnership, unincorporated association, or other legal entity. See
  • Probate: Proving a will
  • Trustee: A person or institution holding and administering property in trust.

§ 704. Vacancy in trusteeship; appointment of successor

(a) A vacancy in a trusteeship occurs if:

(1) a person designated as trustee rejects the trusteeship;

(2) a person designated as trustee cannot be identified or does not exist;

(3) a trustee resigns;

(4) a trustee is disqualified or removed;

(5) a trustee dies; or

(6) a guardian is appointed for an individual serving as trustee.

(b) If one or more cotrustees remain in office, a vacancy in a trusteeship need not be filled. A vacancy in a trusteeship must be filled if the trust has no remaining trustee.

(c) A vacancy in a trusteeship of a noncharitable trust that is required to be filled must be filled in the following order of priority:

(1) by a person designated in the terms of the trust to act as successor trustee;

(2) by a person appointed by unanimous agreement of the qualified beneficiaries; or

(3) by a person appointed by the Probate Division of the Superior Court.

(d) A vacancy in a trusteeship of a charitable trust that is required to be filled must be filled in the following order of priority:

(1) by a person designated in the terms of the trust to act as successor trustee; or

(2) by a person appointed by the Probate Division of the Superior Court.

(e) Whether or not a vacancy in a trusteeship exists or is required to be filled, the Probate Division of the Superior Court may appoint an additional trustee or special fiduciary whenever the Probate Division of the Superior Court considers the appointment necessary for the administration of the trust. (Added 2009, No. 20, § 1; amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 236, eff. February 1, 2011.)