No compensation unless settlor provided for compensation in the trust. Policy – fear that trustee would act to increase compensation even if not in trust’s best interests.
Assuming trust instrument is silent: 1. Court Determination Trustee petitions court for compensation approval.
2. Trustee Determination Trustee determines reasonable compensation. Trustee takes from trust. Interested persons may sue trustee for taking excessive compensation.
3. Schedule or Scale Based on, for example, ▪ Value of trust ▪ Amount of trust income
Presumption = reasonable compensation Exceptions: Settlor provides otherwise ▪ No compensation ▪ Exact amount ▪ Method Court may deny compensation if trustee breaches the trust. §
Should settlor waive compensation? Should settlor provided a fixed fee? Should settlor “shop around” for fees if using corporate trustee?
1. Gross income of trust
2. Success or failure of trust administration
3. Trustee’s skill and experience
4. Trustee’s fidelity or disloyalty
5. Amount of trustee’s liability exposure and responsibilities assumed
6. Time spent
7. Custom in the community
8. Character of work Skill and judgment, or Routine
9. Trustee’s estimate of value of services