2016 Tennessee Code
Title 35 - Fiduciaries and Trust Estates
Chapter 15 - Tennessee Uniform Trust Code
Part 8 - Duties and Powers of Trustee
§ 35-15-808. Powers to direct -- Transitional provisions.

(a) While a trust is revocable, the trustee may follow a direction of the settlor that is contrary to the terms of the trust or contrary to the normal practice of the trustee in regard to the action requested.

(b) If the terms of a trust, an agreement of the qualified beneficiaries, or a court order, confer upon a person other than the settlor of a revocable trust power to direct certain actions of the trustee, the trustee shall act in accordance with an exercise of the power.

(c) The terms of a trust may confer upon a trustee or other person a power to direct the modification or termination of the trust.

(d) Unless the terms of a trust provide otherwise, if a person holds a power to perform any act in reliance on §§ 35-3-122 and 35-3-123, and that power holder is other than a beneficiary, that person is a fiduciary who, as such, is required to act in good faith with regard to the purposes of the trust and the interests of the beneficiaries. The holder of a power to perform any act under this subsection (d) is liable for any loss that results from breach of a fiduciary duty. In so following the directions of such person the trustee is protected from liability as provided in §§ 35-3-122 and 35-3-123.

(e) If a person holds a power to direct pursuant to part 12 of this chapter, that person is a trust advisor, trust protector or both. Such power holder is subject to all the provisions of part 12, including any duties prescribed by part 12 and any provisions that make the power holder a fiduciary. Any trustee or other person that under part 12 is relieved of any duty or any liability, or is otherwise protected under part 12, shall be so relieved and otherwise protected.

(f) Transitional provisions applicable to this section shall be as follows:

(1) Powers to direct or perform any act held in reliance on or that are subject to §§ 35-3-122 and 35-3-123 that are in existence prior to July 1, 2013, remain effective thereafter and remain subject to the provisions of those sections and their protections;

(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (f)(1), should any power that is described in part 12 of this chapter be held under a trust instrument that was in existence or became irrevocable before July 1, 2013, and that power is not held in reliance on nor is it subject to §§ 35-3-122 and 35-3-123, then from July 1, 2013, all law relative to such power shall be controlled by and subject to part 12 of this chapter, along with any amendments made to this chapter in furtherance of the implementation and effectiveness of such part 12; and

(3) For all trust instruments entered into, that become irrevocable or that are amended relative to any power that is described in part 12 of this chapter on or after July 1, 2013, part 12 of this chapter, along with any amendments made to this chapter in furtherance of the implementation and effectiveness of such part 12, shall be the exclusive method to create a directed trust or a provision regarding such and shall control such. Relative to trusts described in this subdivision (f)(3) and subdivision (f)(2), §§ 35-3-122 and 35-3-123 shall be of no further force and effect.