Christopher S. Mulvaney,

Attorney and Counselor-at-Law

---

THIS WEBSITE INCLUDES GENERAL INFORMATION & THE OPINIONS OF CHRISTOPHER S. MULVANEY. IT IS INTENDED TO STIMULATE A BASIS FOR QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR PARTICULAR FACTUAL CIRCUMSTANCES — BEFORE YOU ACT.  THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU WANT LEGAL ADVICE, PLEASE MAKE A ZOOM APPOINTMENT TO SPEAK WITH ME.

CONTACT CHRISTOPHER S. MULVANEY FORM

DISCLAIMER:

The use of email or this form for communication with MULVANEY LAW OFFICE, PLLC does not establish an Attorney-Client Relationship. If you don’t think I have responded, please check your spam folder. Time-sensitive information should not be sent through this Form or through email. Sensitive information can be uploaded to an encrypted Dropbox folder in your client file. Google Review Link Yelp Review Link

---

Gonzaga University School of Law – Spokane, Washington – Class of 2002 – Cum Laude The Latin phrase “Deo patriae, scientiis, artibus” translates to “For God and country through sciences and arts”.  The initials A.M.D.G. on the seal of Gonzaga Law School stand for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which is Latin for “For the Greater Glory of God” the Motto of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits): a Catholic religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

_________________________

If the people cannot trust their government to do the job for which it exists – to protect them and to promote their common welfare – all else is lost.

Barack Obama

A Trust Protector is an individual or entity appointed in a trust instrument (the document creating the trust) to oversee and, in some cases, direct the trustee in the administration of the trust. Essentially, they act as an independent third party to safeguard the interests of the beneficiaries and ensure that the trust continues to function according to the settlor’s intentions, even as circumstances change. 

Why is a Trust Protector Important?

The role of a Trust Protector is particularly important for long-term or irrevocable trusts, which may need to adapt to changing laws, family dynamics, or financial situations over time. 

Here are the key reasons why a Trust Protector is important:

• Ensuring the Settlor’s Intent is Carried Out: Trust Protectors help ensure that the trustee follows the wishes of the trust creator (settlor) and that the trust’s purpose and goals remain intact, even when the settlor is no longer able to oversee the trust.
• Providing Flexibility and Adaptability: Trusts, especially irrevocable trusts, can be rigid. A Trust Protector can be granted the power to modify trust terms to accommodate new laws, changes in family structure, or evolving financial goals.
• Preventing Trustee Misconduct: The Trust Protector can monitor the activities of the trustee and, if necessary, remove and replace a trustee who is failing in their duties or acting against the beneficiaries’ interests.
• Resolving Disputes: A Trust Protector can act as a mediator to resolve conflicts between trustees and beneficiaries, potentially avoiding costly and time-consuming litigation.
• Adapting to Changes in the Law: Tax laws and other regulations governing trusts can change, and a Trust Protector can modify the trust terms to maintain tax efficiency and compliance with current laws.
• Maintaining Privacy: By helping to avoid court involvement, a Trust Protector can help maintain the privacy of trust administration, keeping sensitive family matters confidential. 

In summary, a Trust Protector provides a vital layer of oversight and flexibility in trust administration, acting as a safeguard to ensure the trust remains effective and aligned with the settlor’s wishes over the long term. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

---

Washington State residents can meet with me in Zoom/DocuSign from anywhere in the world, and I can notarize their electronic signatures because I am a remote online notary.  Just email me an image of your photo ID.