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November 02, 2024 Clouds | 46°F
The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Section 604: Limitation on action contesting validity of revocable trust; distribution of trust property

Section 604. Limitation on action contesting validity of revocable trust; distribution of trust property


(a) A person may commence a judicial proceeding to contest the validity of a trust that was revocable at the settlor's death within the earlier of:

(1) 1 year after the settlor's death; or

(2) 60 days after the trustee sent the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust's existence, the trustee's name and address and the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

(b) Upon the death of the settlor of a trust that was revocable at the settlor's death, the trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust. The trustee shall not be subject to liability for doing so unless:

(1) the trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust; or

(2) a potential contestant has notified the trustee of a possible judicial proceeding to contest the trust and a judicial proceeding is commenced within 60 days after the contestant sent the notification.

(c) A beneficiary of a trust that is determined to have been invalid shall be liable to return any distribution received.

ARTICLE 7 OFFICE OF TRUSTEE