Maryland § 14.5-502
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 14.5-502, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14.5-502.
(a) (1) A beneficiary of a discretionary distribution provision has no property right in a trust interest that is subject to a discretionary distribution provision.
(2) A beneficial interest that is subject to a discretionary distribution provision may not be judicially foreclosed, attached by a creditor, or transferred by the beneficiary.
(b) (1) The creditor of the beneficiary of a discretionary distribution provision created by someone other than that beneficiary has no enforceable right to trust income or principal that may be distributed only in the exercise of the discretion of the trustee.
(2) Trust property that is subject to a discretionary distribution provision is not subject to the enforcement of a judgment until income or principal or both is distributed directly to the beneficiary.
(c) A creditor of a beneficiary may not compel a distribution that is subject to a discretionary distribution provision created by someone other than that beneficiary.
(d) A trust may contain a discretionary distribution provision with respect to one or more but less than all beneficiaries.
(e) If a beneficiary of a discretionary distribution provision has a power of withdrawal created by someone other than that beneficiary:
(1) During the period the power may be exercised, the portion of the trust the beneficiary may withdraw may not be deemed to be subject to the discretionary distribution provision with respect to that beneficiary;
(2) During the period the power may be exercised, the portion of the trust the beneficiary may not withdraw shall be deemed to be subject to the discretionary distribution provision with respect to that beneficiary; and
(3) During periods in which the beneficiary does not have a power of withdrawal, the trust interest of the beneficiary shall be deemed to be subject to the discretionary distribution provision with respect to that beneficiary.
(f) If a beneficiary and one or more others have made contributions to a trust subject to a discretionary distribution provision, the portion of the trust attributable to the contributions of the beneficiary may not be deemed to be subject to that discretionary distribution provision with respect to that beneficiary, but the portion of the trust attributable to the contributions of others shall be deemed to be subject to the discretionary distribution provision with respect to that beneficiary.
(g) The interest of a beneficiary who is blind or disabled as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3) may be subject to a discretionary distribution provision notwithstanding:
(1) Precatory language in the trust instrument regarding the intended purpose of the trust of providing supplemental goods and services to or for the benefit of the beneficiary, and not to supplant benefits from public assistance programs; or
(2) A prohibition against providing food, clothing, and shelter to the beneficiary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 14.5-502
What does Maryland Code § 14.5-502 cover?
Section 14.5-502 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. 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 Maryland § 14.5-502?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 14.5-502" (Maryland). 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 Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 14.5-502 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland 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 Maryland.