Trust Series 2026 - Beneficiary Rights

A practical guide to beneficiary rights in modern trusts. Learn how to access information, assess trustee decisions, and understand your rights with a focus on rights and preconceptions

“Lothar did not have the power to appoint himself to receive the trust assets as was the case in Clayton. This meant he clearly owed a fiduciary duty to the capital beneficiaries not to deal with trust assets in a manner that was contrary to their interests or that advanced his own interests at the expense of theirs. However, he had the unfettered power to nominate which of his two daughters and/or their children should receive the trust assets and in what proportion.”

Beneficiaries have a range of rights including:

• disclosure of trust information
• review of trustee decisions
• a trust investigation
• review of powers of removal and appointment

However, these rights and must also be considered in light of the exercise of appointor powers, trustee powers and discretions.

This webinar will provide an in-depth study of beneficiary rights from a practical perspective.
Topics covered include:

• the parameters of disclosable information
• trustee partiality
• what it means to be a final beneficiary
• trust investigations from the beneficiary perspective
• review of trustee decisions

Attendees will receive a paper that includes case notes, relevant excerpts from the Trusts Act 2019 and further commentary.

HIGHLIGHTS
This webinar, which will conclude with a question and answer section, will focus on recent case law to explore beneficiary rights in light of contemporary considerations.

WHY ATTEND
Beneficiaries are fundamental to a valid trust. Although modern discretionary trusts commonly allow some beneficiaries to be favoured over others, it is important for beneficiaries and their advisers to have a good understanding of beneficiary rights and the different ways and means to enforce these.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendees will learn:

• what rights beneficiaries have
• strategic considerations regarding the enforcement of beneficiary rights
• what it means to be a final beneficiary, and
• practical realties.

SUITED TO

This webinar is targeted at all practitioners at all levels but will be of particular interest to practitioners who advise trustees and / or beneficiaries.

PRESENTER

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VICKI AMMUNDSEN TRUST LAW

PRESENTER

Vicki Ammundsen, Director, Vicki Ammundsen Trust Law

Vicki is a director at Vicki Ammundsen Trust Law. Vicki's approach to trust law is practical but also grounded in a good understanding of trust law principles, related legislation, and case law. As the author of a number of texts including Taxation of Trusts, the Trustee's Handbook and Trustee Liability, Vicki is well placed to provide advice on all areas of trust law.