California § 16402 - Except as provided in subdivision (b), a trustee is not liable to the beneficiary
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 16402 — Except as provided in subdivision (b), a trustee is not liable to the beneficiary, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16402. Except as provided in subdivision (b), a trustee is not liable to the beneficiary
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a trustee is not liable to the beneficiary for a breach of trust committed by a cotrustee. (b) A trustee is liable to the beneficiary for a breach committed by a cotrustee under any of the following circumstances: (1) Where the trustee participates in a breach of trust committed by the cotrustee. (2) Where the trustee improperly delegates the administration of the trust to the cotrustee. (3) Where the trustee approves, knowingly acquiesces in, or conceals a breach of trust committed by the cotrustee. (4) Where the trustee negligently enables the cotrustee to commit a breach of trust. (5) Where the trustee neglects to take reasonable steps to compel the cotrustee to redress a breach of trust in a case where the trustee knows or has information from which the trustee reasonably should have known of the breach. (c) The liability of a trustee for acts or omissions of a cotrustee that occurred before July 1, 1987, is governed by prior law and not by this section.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 16402
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 16402 cover?
Section 16402 ("Except as provided in subdivision (b), a trustee is not liable to the beneficiary") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 16402?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 16402" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 16402 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.