New Jersey § 3b:31-55
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 3b:31-55, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3b:31-55.
Duty of Loyalty. a. A trustee shall administer the trust with undivided loyalty to and solely in the
best interests of the beneficiaries. b. Subject to the rights of persons dealing with or assisting the trustee as provided
in N.J.S.3B:14-37 , a sale, encumbrance, or other transaction involving the investment or management
of trust property entered into by the trustee for the trustee's own personal account
or which is otherwise affected by a conflict between the trustee's fiduciary and personal
interests is voidable by a beneficiary affected by the transaction unless: (1) the transaction was authorized by the terms of the trust; (2) the transaction was approved by the court; (3) the beneficiary did not commence a judicial proceeding within the time allowed
by N.J.S.3B:31-74 ; (4) the beneficiary consented to the trustee's conduct, ratified the transaction,
or released the trustee in compliance with N.J.S.3B:31-78 ; or (5) the transaction involves a contract entered into or a claim acquired by the trustee
before the person became a trustee. c. A sale, encumbrance, or other transaction involving the investment or management
of trust property is presumed to be affected by a conflict between personal and fiduciary
interests if it is entered into by the trustee with: (1) the trustee's spouse or partner in a civil union; (2) the trustee's parents, parents' descendants, or the spouse or partner in a civil
union of any of the foregoing; (3) an agent, accountant, or attorney of the trustee; or (4) a corporation or other person or enterprise in which the trustee, or a person
that owns a significant interest in the trustee, has an interest that might affect
the trustee's judgment. d. A transaction between a trustee and a beneficiary that does not concern trust property
but that occurs during the existence of the trust or while the trustee retains significant
influence over the beneficiary and from which the trustee obtains an advantage attributable
to the existence of the trust is voidable by the beneficiary if the beneficiary establishes
that the transaction was unfair to the beneficiary. e. A transaction not concerning trust property in which the trustee engages in the
trustee's individual capacity involves a conflict between personal and fiduciary interests
if the transaction concerns an opportunity properly belonging to the trust. f. In voting shares of stock of a corporation or in exercising powers of control over
similar interests in other forms of enterprise, the trustee shall act in the best
interests of the beneficiaries and shall vote to elect or appoint directors or other
managers who will manage the corporation or enterprise in the best interests of the
beneficiaries. g. This section does not preclude the following transactions, if fair to the beneficiaries: (1) an agreement between a trustee and a beneficiary relating to the appointment or
compensation of the trustee; (2) payment of reasonable compensation to the trustee; (3) a transaction between the trust and another trust, decedent's estate, guardianship,
conservatorship, or other fiduciary relationship of which the trustee is a fiduciary
or in which a beneficiary has an interest; (4) a deposit of trust money in a regulated financial-service institution operated
by or affiliated with the trustee; or (5) an advance by the trustee of money for the protection of the trust. h. The court may appoint a special fiduciary to make decisions with respect to any
proposed transaction that might violate this section if entered into by the trustee.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 3b:31-55
What does New Jersey Statutes § 3b:31-55 cover?
Section 3b:31-55 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:31-55?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 3b:31-55" (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:31-55 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.