(a) In this section, "mandatory distribution" means a distribution of income or principal that the trustee is required to make to a beneficiary under the terms of the trust, including a distribution upon termination of the trust. The term excludes a distribution subject to the exercise of the trustee's discretion regardless of whether the terms of the trust (i) include a support or other standard to guide the trustee in making distribution decisions or (ii) provide that the trustee "may" or "shall" make discretionary distributions, including distributions pursuant to a support or other standard.
(b) Whether or not a trust contains a spendthrift provision, a creditor or assignee of a beneficiary may compel a mandatory distribution of income or principal to a beneficiary, including a distribution upon termination of the trust, if the trustee has not made the distribution to the beneficiary within a reasonable time after the mandated distribution date.
Last modified: May 3, 2021