(a) While a trust is revocable, the trustee may follow a direction of the settlor that is contrary to the terms of the trust.
(b) If the terms of a trust confer upon a person other than the settlor of a revocable trust power to direct certain actions of the trustee, the trustee shall act in accordance with an exercise of the power unless the attempted exercise is manifestly contrary to the terms of the trust or the trustee knows the attempted exercise would constitute a serious breach of a fiduciary duty that the person holding the power owes to the beneficiaries of the trust.
(c) The terms of a trust may confer upon a trustee or other person a power to direct the modification or termination of the trust.
(d) A person, other than a beneficiary, who holds a power to direct is presumptively a fiduciary who, as such, is required to act in good faith with regard to the purposes of the trust and the interests of the beneficiaries. The holder of a power to direct is liable for any loss that results from breach of a fiduciary duty.
(Mar. 10, 2004, D.C. Law 15-104, § 2(b), 51 DCR 208.)
Uniform Law: This section is based upon § 808 of the Uniform Trust Code.
Structure District of Columbia Code
Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title]
Chapter 13 - Uniform Trust Code
Subchapter VIII - Duties and Powers of Trustee
§ 19–1308.01. Duty to administer trust
§ 19–1308.04. Prudent administration
§ 19–1308.05. Costs of administration
§ 19–1308.06. Trustee’s skills
§ 19–1308.07. Delegation by trustee
§ 19–1308.08. Powers to direct
§ 19–1308.09. Control and protection of trust property
§ 19–1308.10. Recordkeeping and identification of trust property
§ 19–1308.11. Enforcement and defense of claims
§ 19–1308.12. Collecting trust property
§ 19–1308.13. Duty to inform and report
§ 19–1308.14. Discretionary powers; tax savings
§ 19–1308.15. General powers of trustee