Ohio § 5808.14

Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 5808.14, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5808.14.

(A) The judicial standard of review for discretionary trusts is that the trustee shall

exercise a discretionary power reasonably, in good faith, and in accordance with the

terms and purposes of the trust and the interests of the beneficiaries, except that

with respect to distribution decisions a reasonableness standard shall not be applied

to the exercise of discretion by the trustee of a wholly discretionary trust.  The greater the grant of discretion by the settlor to the trustee, the broader the

range of permissible conduct by the trustee in exercising it. (B) Subject to division (D) of this section, and unless the terms of the trust expressly

indicate that a rule in this division does not apply: (1) A person other than a settlor who is a beneficiary and trustee of a trust that confers

on the trustee a power to make discretionary distributions to or for the trustee's

personal benefit may exercise the power only in accordance with an ascertainable standard. (2) A trustee may not exercise a power to make discretionary distributions to satisfy

a legal obligation of support that the trustee personally owes another person. (C) A power whose exercise is limited or prohibited by division (B) of this section may

be exercised by a majority of the remaining trustees whose exercise of the power is

not so limited or prohibited.  If the power of all trustees is so limited or prohibited, the court may appoint

a special fiduciary with authority to exercise the power. (D) Division (B) of this section does not apply to any of the following: (1) A power held by the settlor's spouse who is the trustee of a trust for which a marital

deduction, as defined in section 2056(b)(5) or 2523(e) of the Internal Revenue Code , was previously allowed; (2) Any trust during any period that the trust may be revoked or amended by its settlor; (3) A trust if contributions to the trust qualify for the annual exclusion under section 2503(c) of the Internal Revenue Code 1 . (E) For purposes of division (A) of this section, a trustee who acts reasonably and in

good faith in exercising the power to distribute trust income or principal to the

trustee of a second trust in accordance with division (A) or (B) of section 5808.18 of the Revised Code is presumed to have acted in accordance with the terms and purposes of the trust

and the interests of the beneficiaries. 1

 26 U.S.C.A. § 2503(c).

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 5808.14

What does Ohio Revised Code § 5808.14 cover?

Section 5808.14 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. 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 Ohio § 5808.14?

A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 5808.14" (Ohio). 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 Ohio law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.

How does Ohio § 5808.14 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio 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 Ohio.