uniform trust code - Kansas Judicial Branch

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
an interest already owned, is not affected by the presence or absence of a spendthrift provision.
Most disclaimer statutes expressly provide that the validity of a disclaimer is not affected by a
spendthrift protection. See, e.g., Uniform Probate Code § 2-801(a). Releases and exercises of
powers of appointment are also not affected because they are not transfers of property. See
Restatement (Third) of Trusts § 58 cmt. c (Tentative Draft No. 2, approved 1999).
A spendthrift provision is ineffective against a beneficial interest retained by the settlor. See
Restatement (Third) of Trusts §58(2), approved 1999. This is a necessary corollary to Section
505(a)(2), which allows a creditor or assignee of the settlor to reach the maximum amount that can
be distributed to or for the settlor’s benefit. This right to reach the trust applies whether or not the
trust contains a spendthrift provision.
A valid spendthrift provision makes it impossible for a beneficiary to make a legally binding
transfer, but the trustee may choose to honor the beneficiary’s purported assignment. The trustee
may recommence distributions to the beneficiary at anytime. The beneficiary, not having made a
binding transfer, can withdraw the beneficiary’s direction but only as to future payments. See
Restatement (Third) of Trusts § 58 cmt. d (Tentative Draft No. 2, approved 1999); Restatement
(Second) of Trusts § 152 cmt. i (1959).
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
SECTION 503. EXCEPTIONS TO SPENDTHRIFT PROVISION.
(a) In this section, “child” includes any person for whom an order or judgment for
child support has been entered in this or another State.
(b) Even if a trust contains a spendthrift provision, a beneficiary’s child, spouse, or
former spouse who has a judgment or court order against the beneficiary for support or maintenance,
or a judgment creditor who has provided services for the protection of a beneficiary’s interest in the
trust, may obtain from a court an order attaching present or future distributions to or for the benefit
of the beneficiary.
(c) A spendthrift provision is unenforceable against a claim of this State,
subdivisions thereof, or the United States to the extent a statute of this State or federal law so
provides.
Kansas Comment
86