Chapter 16 - THE TRUST CLAUSE
My father had anticipated one danger.
Not Daniel specifically.
Family pressure.
Section 14 of the Avery Grandchildren’s Trust said:
No parent, custodian, guardian, or family representative may receive direct personal benefit from distributions without independent trustee approval and conflict disclosure.
Daniel had hidden benefits.
The trust could recover them.
It could also permanently bar a family representative for fraud or coercion.
Samuel Grant requested that I become the girls’ family representative again.
I hesitated.
“I missed all of this.”
“You were excluded.”
“I also signed forms without reading.”
“That is relevant.”
“I was depressed after Lily.”
“Also relevant.”
“Should I control anything?”
Samuel smiled slightly.
“That question is exactly why we use independent trustees.”
I accepted a limited role.
No unilateral withdrawal authority.
Professional fiduciaries remained.
May you like
My daughters’ money would never depend on whether I was having a good week.
Good systems do not require perfect people.
