Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

My husband is the beneficary of a trust his grandmother set up for him in PA. He is over 18, but the trust doesn't "end" until he is 35. The trust states he can use the money as a minor for support, education to include graduate and post graduate school), recreation, comfort but doesn't explicitly state that he cannot have the money in the trust for those things now that he over 18 but under 35. In the past we've been told by the bank trustee that he can access the funds for education. Is it reasonable to assume that we can access the fund for the purchase of a home?


Asked on 1/04/11, 12:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

It is not reasonable to assume anything. If your husband has needs, he should ask the bank trustee for the funds. If the need falls without the trust purposes, the bank trustee will provide the funds. Unless the trust provides otherwise, your husband probably may have access to trust funds for the purposes specified even after he has reached the age of majority and until he is 35 years old.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 1/09/11, 12:27 pm


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