Legal Assistance for the Life of Your Business and Beyond

Estate Planning Newsletter

Remedy for Unjust Obtainment of Property

A constructive trust is a remedy imposed by the court when a person has wrongfully attained property. The court basically takes the property away from the wrongful owner and puts it in trust for the rightful owner. In the estate planning/administration context, a constructive trust is usually imposed when there is wrongful conduct on the part of the trustee or beneficiary.

Types of Wrongful Conduct

Any wrongful activity that leads to the unfair acquisition of property may be cause for a constructive trust, including:

  • Fraud
  • Accident
  • Mistake
  • Undue influence
  • Violation of trust or fiduciary duty (for example, when a trustee purchases property in his own name rather than in the name of the beneficiary)
  • Homicide (for example, to obtain life insurance benefits)

Remedy Under Constructive Trusts

A constructive trust is imposed by a court as a result of a complaint by an affected party (typically a trustor or beneficiary of a trust). It may provide that the property pass from the wrongful owner to the rightful owner, or it may provide for the property to be held by a trustee for the rightful beneficiary.

However, if the unlawful owner has damaged or destroyed any of the trust property, the rightful owner is entitled to a money judgment for the value of the property.

  • Definition of a Guardianship
    In certain cases, a minor may need to be assigned a legal guardian either because a parent is not able to care for the minor, or because the existing guardian is not competent. When a guardian is appointed, he/she will have the same... Read more.
  • Requirements for a Will under the Uniform International Wills Act
    The Convention on the Form of an International Will (the “Convention”) was drafted and presented to the international community in 1973. The Convention was signed and ratified by a number of countries, including Canada and... Read more.
  • What is a Special Power of Appointment?
    What is a Power of Appointment? A power of appointment is the power given by one person to another (referred to as the “holder” of the power of appointment) to designate who is to receive an asset.... Read more.
  • Privacy Rule Protects Confidential Health Information
    The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) became effective on April 14, 2003. HIPAA establishes national standards for the protection of certain health information. The purpose of HIPAA is to ensure that a... Read more.
Law Commentary Legal News
Share This Page:
Designed and Powered by NextClient

© 2015 - 2025 Narducci, Moore, Fleisher, Roeberg & Wolfe LLP. All rights reserved.
Theme WebExpress ™ attorney website design by NextClient.com.