Trusts, while often associated with financial investments and property, can indeed be structured to support a surprisingly broad range of beneficiary needs, including the purchase of social-emotional learning (SEL) tools. The key lies in the trust’s specific language and the trustee’s discretion. A well-drafted trust document can explicitly authorize distributions for educational expenses, and SEL tools are increasingly recognized as vital components of a holistic education. Currently, approximately 67% of schools report integrating SEL into their daily curriculum, highlighting the growing acceptance and demand for these resources.
What types of expenses *can* a trust typically cover?
Traditionally, trusts have funded expenses like tuition, books, tutoring, and even extracurricular activities. However, modern estate planning increasingly recognizes the importance of a beneficiary’s overall well-being. This can include therapies, specialized programs, and yes, SEL tools – things like mindfulness apps, emotional regulation workbooks, or even access to online social skills training. The IRS generally allows distributions for a beneficiary’s health, education, maintenance, and support, and a proactive trustee can make a strong case that SEL falls under these categories. It’s estimated that students with strong SEL skills demonstrate an 11% improvement in academic performance, reinforcing the educational benefit.
Could a trustee be held liable for unusual purchases?
This is where clear trust language is critical. A trustee has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiary and manage the trust assets prudently. A trustee might hesitate to fund a purchase they deem “unconventional” without explicit authorization. I once worked with a client, Mrs. Davison, whose trust didn’t specifically address therapeutic or behavioral support for her grandson, Ethan. Ethan, a bright young man, struggled with severe anxiety that impacted his ability to attend school. The trustee initially refused to fund Ethan’s participation in a specialized SEL program, fearing it wasn’t a ‘traditional’ educational expense. It took legal counsel and a compelling demonstration of the program’s benefits to convince the trustee of its value, causing delays and undue stress for Ethan and his family.
What happens when a trust *explicitly* allows for broader support?
Fortunately, many modern trusts are drafted with greater flexibility. Mr. and Mrs. Abernathy, a couple I recently advised, wanted to ensure their granddaughter, Lily, had every opportunity to thrive, not just academically. We included specific language in their trust authorizing distributions for “educational and developmental expenses, including but not limited to, tutoring, counseling, therapeutic programs, and resources to support social-emotional learning.” Years later, when Lily began experiencing bullying at school, the trustee was able to swiftly approve funding for an SEL-based self-esteem workshop and individual counseling sessions, providing Lily with the tools she needed to cope and build resilience. This proactive approach prevented the situation from escalating and allowed Lily to flourish. Approximately 20% of children experience bullying, and early intervention is essential.
How can I ensure my trust covers these types of needs?
When creating or updating your trust, it’s crucial to discuss your wishes with an experienced estate planning attorney. Specify that distributions can be made for expenses that promote the beneficiary’s overall well-being, including those related to social-emotional learning. Broad, flexible language is key. The more specific you are, the less room there is for interpretation or dispute. By proactively addressing these needs in your trust document, you can ensure your loved ones have the resources they need to not only succeed academically but also to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and resilience. It’s an investment in their future, and a testament to your care.
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