Working with others · 6 min read
Agreements without the court
20 Pa.C.S. §7710.1 provides that the beneficiaries, the trustees and others with an interest in a trust matter may enter into a binding nonjudicial settlement agreement — on the trust's interpretation, the approval of a report or account, a direction to the trustee, a trustee's resignation or appointment, and other matters — valid only to the extent it is consistent with a material purpose of the trust and contains terms a court could properly approve.
A trustee's listed powers include resolving a dispute about the trust's interpretation or administration by mediation, arbitration or another alternative procedure (20 Pa.C.S. §7780.6(a)(3)).
The court's role
To remedy an actual or threatened breach of trust, the court may order any appropriate relief — compelling performance, enjoining a breach, ordering the trustee to pay money or restore property, ordering an account, removing the trustee or reducing or denying compensation, among others (20 Pa.C.S. §7781). The settlor, a co-trustee or a beneficiary may ask the court to remove a trustee on the grounds the statute states (§7766).
The time limits
Where a trustee sent written financial reports at least annually with a conspicuous statement of the rule, a beneficiary who does not object in writing within 30 months after a report that disclosed a transaction is barred from challenging it; other claims are generally barred five years after the events the statute lists (20 Pa.C.S. §7785). A contest of a revocable trust's validity is filed within one year after the trustee's notice of the settlor's death (§7754).
The statutes, verbatim
Nonjudicial settlement agreements - UTC 111
20 Pa.C.S. §7710.1 ↗Clear, simple explanation; the verbatim statute text is not yet attested in our library. See the official statute via the link above.
Removal of trustee - UTC 706
20 Pa.C.S. §7766 ↗Clear, simple explanation; the verbatim statute text is not yet attested in our library. See the official statute via the link above.
Remedies for breach of trust - UTC 1001
20 Pa.C.S. §7781 ↗Clear, simple explanation; the verbatim statute text is not yet attested in our library. See the official statute via the link above.
Limitation of action against trustee
20 Pa.C.S. §7785 ↗Clear, simple explanation; the verbatim statute text is not yet attested in our library. See the official statute via the link above.
Common questions
Can Pennsylvania beneficiaries settle a trust dispute without court?
Yes, by a binding nonjudicial settlement agreement among the persons with an interest in the matter, to the extent it is consistent with a material purpose of the trust and contains terms a court could approve (20 Pa.C.S. §7710.1).
Can a Pennsylvania beneficiary remove a trustee?
A beneficiary may ask the court to remove a trustee; the court may do so on the grounds 20 Pa.C.S. §7766 states, such as a serious breach of trust or a failure to administer the trust effectively.
How long does a beneficiary have to challenge a Pennsylvania trustee?
Thirty months after a qualifying report that disclosed the transaction (20 Pa.C.S. §7785(a)); otherwise claims are generally barred five years after the events §7785(b) lists.
Related reading
The Learning Center is general information about Pennsylvania law — not legal advice, and not a substitute for advice from a licensed Pennsylvania attorney about your specific facts. TrusteeClear is software, not a law firm.
Frequently asked questions
- Can Pennsylvania beneficiaries settle a trust dispute without court?
- Yes, by a binding nonjudicial settlement agreement among the persons with an interest in the matter, to the extent it is consistent with a material purpose of the trust and contains terms a court could approve (20 Pa.C.S. §7710.1).
- Can a Pennsylvania beneficiary remove a trustee?
- A beneficiary may ask the court to remove a trustee; the court may do so on the grounds 20 Pa.C.S. §7766 states, such as a serious breach of trust or a failure to administer the trust effectively.
- How long does a beneficiary have to challenge a Pennsylvania trustee?
- Thirty months after a qualifying report that disclosed the transaction (20 Pa.C.S. §7785(a)); otherwise claims are generally barred five years after the events §7785(b) lists.
General information about Pennsylvania law, not legal advice.