Are trustees able to completely withhold distributions to beneficiaries?
So I’m legally disabled. I have a trust fund set up by my grandmother before she died 7 years ago that is supposed to help provide for things that SSI and my part-time job doesn’t. I have an estranged relationship with the trustee, my father, and he has stated I won’t see a penny until ‘retirement age’—my 60’s. After he dies, control of the trust will transfer to my similarly estranged brother. With my health conditions there is a good chance I won’t live into my mid-60’s, so in essence he’s saying I will never receive anything.
The terms of the Will state that the purpose of the trust is “primarily” to protect my ability to receive SSI, but it also says that disbursements are “At the trustee’s discretion”. Income limits will no longer be an issue in a couple years, as I will have enough work credits to be eligible for SSDI.
Does “At the trustee’s discretion” really mean they can deny any disbursements, period, or hold them indefinitely?
There are things that would really make a difference in my quality of life like fixing my old car or getting a new one, and repairs to my home, that I technically have plenty of money before…..but am not able to access it.
LOCATION: Vermont, but Will was settled in WA probate court
Posted Dec 7, 2025, 5:08 AM UTC