Variation of Beneficial Interests (Ending a Trust) - The Variation of Trusts Act 1958

7 important questions on Variation of Beneficial Interests (Ending a Trust) - The Variation of Trusts Act 1958

If it is not possible to end the trust using Saunder v Vautier, what can the beneficiaries consider?

Beneficiaries can consider an application to the court under the Variations of Trusts Act 1958 in which the court may consent on behalf of beneficiaries who cannot consent themselves because they are not sui juris.

When it is not possible for all beneficiaries to agree on a variation of the trust because one of the beneficiaries is underaged, what can the court do under section 1(1)(a) of the Variation of Trusts Act 1958? What happens if the beneficiaries are not born yet under section 1(1)(1)(c)?

Can apply to the court to consent on behalf of the underaged beneficiary s 1(1)(a) and any children born in the future s 1(1)(c).

Is it necessary for the variation to benefit the beneficiary(ies) and if so what examples can you give? What are the relevant sections of the Variation of Trusts Act 1925? What are the main authorities?

The variation must benefit the beneficiary(ies) s 1(1). Benefits can include legitimate tax-saving schemes or increasing the contingency age to a more responsible age (e.g. from 21 to 25) (Re Holt; Re T).
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Will the court approve a complete restructuring of the trust? What is the main authority?

The court will only allow a variation of the trust and not a complete restructuring of the trust. The substratum of the trust must remain intact (Re Ball's Settlement).

Does it matter if the variation is contrary to the settlor's intentions? What is the authority for this?

The settlor's intention is irrelevant (Goulding v James).

If a beneficiary who is capable of consenting does not consent, does the court have the power to consent on their behalf? What is the main authority?

The court cannot consent on behalf of an adult beneficiary that is capable of consenting for himself (Knocker v Youle).

What happens in a situation where the next in kin dies before the life tenant? Which section of the Variation of Trusts Act 1958 is relevant?

The court would consent on behalf of the life tenants next in kin if the original next in kin dies before the life tenant s 1(1)(b).

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