Pennsylvania § 7780.20 - Duty and liability of directed trustee - UDTA 9.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7780.20 — Duty and liability of directed trustee - UDTA 9., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7780.20. Duty and liability of directed trustee - UDTA 9.
(a) Duty to comply with power of direction.--Subject to subsection (b), a directed trustee shall take reasonable action to comply with a trust director's exercise or nonexercise of a power of direction, and the directed trustee shall not be liable for that action.
(b) Exception for willful misconduct.--A directed trustee shall not comply with a trust director's exercise or nonexercise of a power of direction to the extent that, by doing so, the directed trustee would engage in willful misconduct.
(c) When release from liability ineffective.--An exercise of a power of direction under which a trust director purports to release a trustee or another trust director from liability for breach of trust is ineffective:
(1) to the extent that it would relieve the trustee or the other trust director of liability for a breach of trust committed in bad faith or with reckless indifference to the purposes of the trust or the interests of the beneficiaries;
(2) if the release was induced by improper conduct of the trustee or the other trust director in procuring the release; or
(3) if, at the time of the release, the trust director that exercised the power did not know of the material facts relating to the breach.
(d) Petition for declaratory judgment.--A directed trustee that has reasonable doubt about its duty under this section may petition the court for a declaratory judgment.
(e) Additional duties and liabilities.--The terms of the trust may impose a duty or liability on a directed trustee in addition to the duties and liabilities prescribed by this section.
Cross References. Section 7780.20 is referred to in sections 7705, 7780.23 of this title.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 7780.20
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7780.20 cover?
Section 7780.20 ("Duty and liability of directed trustee - UDTA 9.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania § 7780.20?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7780.20" (Pennsylvania). 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 Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 7780.20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.