New Jersey § 3b:11-4
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 3b:11-4, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3b:11-4.
a. The following powers conferred by a governing instrument upon a trustee in his
or her capacity as a trustee shall not be exercised by that trustee: (1) The power to make discretionary distributions of either principal or income to
or for the benefit of the trustee, the trustee's estate, or the creditors of either,
unless either: (a) limited by an ascertainable standard relating to the trustee's health, education,
support or maintenance, within the meaning of 26 U.S.C. §§ 2041 and 2514 ; or (b) exercisable by the trustee only in conjunction with another person having a substantial
interest in the property subject to the power which is adverse to the interest of
the trustee within the meaning of 26 U.S.C. § 2041(b)(1)(C)(ii) ; If a trustee is prohibited by paragraph (1) of this subsection from exercising a power
conferred upon the trustee, the trustee nevertheless may exercise that power but shall
be limited to distributions for the trustee's health, education, support or maintenance
to the extent otherwise permitted by the terms of the trust. (2) The power to make discretionary distributions of either principal or income to
satisfy any of the trustee's personal legal obligations for support or other purposes; (3) The power to make discretionary allocations in the trustee's personal favor of
receipts or expenses as between income and principal, unless such trustee has no power
to enlarge or shift any beneficial interest except as an incidental consequence of
the discharge of such trustee's fiduciary duties; (4) The power to exercise any of the powers proscribed in this subsection with regard
to an individual other than the trustee to the extent that such individual could exercise
a similar prohibited power in connection with a trust that benefits the trustee. b. Unless otherwise prohibited by the provisions of subsection a. of this section,
a trustee may exercise a power described in that subsection in favor of someone other
than the trustee, the trustee's estate, or the creditors of either. c. If a governing instrument contains a power proscribed under subsection a. of this
section the following shall apply: (1) If the power is conferred on two or more trustees, it may be exercised by the
trustee or trustees who are not so prohibited as if they were the only trustee or
trustees; or (2) If there is no trustee in office who can exercise such power upon application
of any interested party, a court of competent jurisdiction shall appoint a trustee
to exercise such power or, except as provided in subsection d. of this section, a
successor trustee who would not be disqualified shall be appointed to exercise the
power that the other trustees cannot exercise in accordance with the provisions of
the trust instrument as if the office of trustee were vacant. d. No beneficiary of a trust, in an individual, trustee or other capacity, may appoint,
or remove and appoint, a trustee who is related or subordinate to the beneficiary
within the meaning of 26 U.S.C. § 672(c) unless: (1) the trustee's discretionary power to make distributions to or for such beneficiary
is limited by an ascertainable standard relating to the beneficiary's health, education,
support or maintenance as set forth in subsection a. of this section; (2) the trustee's discretionary power may not be exercised to satisfy any of such
beneficiary's legal obligations for support or other purposes; and (3) the trustee's discretionary power may not be exercised to grant to such beneficiary
a general power to appoint property of the trust to the beneficiary, the beneficiary's
estate or the creditors thereof within the meaning of 26 U.S.C. § 2041 . This subsection d. shall not apply if the appointment of the trustee by the beneficiary
may be made only in conjunction with another person having a substantial interest
in the property of the trust, subject to the power, which is adverse to the exercise
of the power in favor of the beneficiary within the meaning of 26 U.S.C. § 2041(b)(1)(C)(ii) . e. The provisions of this section shall not apply during the time that a trust remains
revocable or amendable by the grantor. f. This section applies to: (1) Any trust created under a governing instrument executed 90 days or more after
the effective date of this act, unless the governing instrument expressly provides
that this act does not apply; and (2) Any trust created under a governing instrument executed before 90 days after the
effective date of this act, unless all interested parties affirmatively elect on or
before three years after the effective date by a written declaration signed by or
on behalf of each interested party and delivered to the trustee, not to be subject
to the application of this act. In the case of a testamentary trust, such declarations shall be filed with the clerk
of the court in which the will was admitted to probate. g. In this section the term “interested party” means: (1) Each trustee then serving; and (2) Each person having an interest in income or principal whom it would be necessary
to join as a party in a proceeding for the judicial settlement of a trustee's account
or, if such a person has not attained majority or is otherwise incapacitated, the
person's legal representative under applicable law or the person's agent under a durable
power of attorney that is sufficient to grant such authority.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 3b:11-4
What does New Jersey Statutes § 3b:11-4 cover?
Section 3b:11-4 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. 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 New Jersey § 3b:11-4?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 3b:11-4" (New Jersey). 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 New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 3b:11-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey 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 New Jersey.