In Texas a fiduciary can be removed if he has a conflict of interest with the beneficiary.
In a recent case, two brothers owned a farm. Both had done extra work on the farm. One of the brothers died. The one that died had an ex-wife and two children. He left his property to his children. His will created a trust for them. He named his brother both as executor of the will and as the trustee of the trust. His brother was, therefore, a fiduciary under the will and under the trust.
The wife asked the court to remove the brother as executor and as trustee. The trial court refused to remove him and
the wife appealed. The court of appeals agreed with the wife and removed the brother. The court’s reasoning was based on the fact that the shared ownership between the executor/trustee and the estate was a conflict of interest. The court must remove a fiduciary when there is a conflict of interest between the fiduciary and the beneficiary. 242 /3 182.
Update: The Supreme Court of Texas reversed this case and ruled that, under the facts of this case, the executor could not be removed. If you think that a fiduciary has a conflict of interest, you should contact us to evaluate the case in light of this Supreme Court decision.P.C. 149C and Prop. C. 113.082. 284 /3 831.
Update 2: The Texas legislature passed legislation that has the effect of overruling the Supreme Court’s decision in the first update. Now, a “material conflict of interest” will require removal of an executor or trustee. P.C.149C(a)(7).
By Robert Ray a Texas inheritance attorney. The foregoing information is general in nature and does not apply to every fact situation. If you are concerned about Texas inheritance laws, inheritance rights, probate limits, have a family inheritance dispute, a property dispute or want to know the reasons for contesting a will or protecting a will from a contest and need an inheritance lawyer, we can help. Please click on the “Contact Us” tab above and use the contact form to contact us today. We are Texas inheritance lawyers and would love to learn about your case. There is no fee for the initial consultation.
Your Privacy
We take your privacy very seriously. We are keenly aware of the trust you place in us and our responsibility to protect your privacy. We treat all information provided to us with care and discretion.
