[Rev. 1/15/2009 6:33:40 PM]
GENERAL PROVISIONS
NRS 163.001 Definitions.
NRS 163.0011 “Electronic record” defined.
NRS 163.0013 “Electronic signature” defined.
NRS 163.0015 “Electronic trust” defined.
NRS 163.0017 “Record” defined.
NRS 163.0019 Terms: “Writing” or “written.”
CREATION AND VALIDITY OF TRUSTS
NRS 163.002 Creation: Methods.
NRS 163.003 Creation: Requirements.
NRS 163.004 Creation: Purpose.
NRS 163.005 Creation: Consideration.
NRS 163.006 Creation: Beneficiary.
NRS 163.007 Validity of trust providing for one or more successor beneficiaries.
NRS 163.0075 Validity of trust providing for care of one or more animals.
NRS 163.008 Validity of trust created in relation to real property; recordation.
NRS 163.009 Oral trust of personal property.
NRS 163.0095 Electronic trust.
TRUSTS (UNIFORM ACT)
NRS 163.010 Short title.
NRS 163.020 Definitions.
NRS 163.023 Powers of trustee.
NRS 163.027 Distribution of property or money of trust: Powers of trustee; manner; consent of affected beneficiaries required for distribution without proration under certain circumstances.
NRS 163.030 Loan of money held in trust.
NRS 163.040 Corporate trustee may deposit with self certain money held in trust.
NRS 163.050 Trustee buying from or selling to self or affiliate.
NRS 163.060 Trustee selling from one trust to self as trustee of another trust.
NRS 163.070 Purchase by corporate trustee of its own stocks, bonds or other securities for trust prohibited unless specifically authorized.
NRS 163.080 Voting stock.
NRS 163.090 Holding stock in name of nominee.
NRS 163.100 Powers of trustee attached to office.
NRS 163.110 Powers of cotrustees: Exercisable by majority if more than two cotrustees; liability of dissenting cotrustee; unanimous action required if only two cotrustees; petition of interested person.
NRS 163.115 Breach of trust by trustee: Maintenance of proceeding; permissible purposes for maintenance of proceeding; nonexclusivity of remedies; method of commencing proceeding.
NRS 163.120 Claims based on certain contracts or obligations: Assertion against trust; entry of judgment; notice; intervention; personal liability of trustee; significance of use of certain terms.
NRS 163.130 Exoneration or reimbursement of trustee for tort.
NRS 163.140 Commission of tort by trustee or predecessor: Prerequisites to suit and collection from trust property; plaintiff not required to prove certain matters; entry of judgment; notice; intervention; personal liability of trustee; nonalteration of certain existing law.
NRS 163.145 Using power to appoint or distribute income to discharge own legal obligation prohibited.
NRS 163.150 Withdrawal from mingled money of multiple trusts.
NRS 163.160 Power of settlor; liability of trustee for breach of trust.
NRS 163.170 Power of beneficiary.
NRS 163.180 Power of court.
NRS 163.185 Power of court to order termination and distribution of trust before time provided in trust instrument.
NRS 163.190 Penalty for violation of certain provisions of chapter.
NRS 163.200 Uniformity of interpretation.
TESTAMENTARY ADDITIONS TO TRUSTS (UNIFORM ACT)
NRS 163.220 Short title.
NRS 163.230 Testamentary addition to trust.
NRS 163.250 Uniformity of interpretation.
TRUST POWERS WHICH MAY BE INCLUDED IN A WILL OR AGREEMENT BY REFERENCE
NRS 163.260 Incorporation by reference of powers enumerated in NRS 163.265 to 163.410, inclusive; restriction on exercise of such powers.
NRS 163.265 Retention of property.
NRS 163.270 Sale, exchange or other disposition of property.
NRS 163.275 Investments; reinvestments; delegation of authority to invest.
NRS 163.280 Investments without diversification.
NRS 163.285 Continuation of business.
NRS 163.290 Formation of corporation, limited-liability company or other entity.
NRS 163.295 Continuation of farming operation.
NRS 163.300 Management of real property.
NRS 163.305 Payment of taxes and expenses.
NRS 163.310 Receipt of additional property.
NRS 163.315 Dealing with other fiduciaries.
NRS 163.320 Borrowing money; renewing existing loans.
NRS 163.325 Advancing money.
NRS 163.330 Voting shares.
NRS 163.335 Registration in name of nominee.
NRS 163.340 Exercise of options, rights and privileges.
NRS 163.345 Participation in reorganization.
NRS 163.350 Reduction of interest rate.
NRS 163.355 Continuation of obligation.
NRS 163.360 Foreclosure; bidding in property.
NRS 163.365 Insurance.
NRS 163.370 Collections.
NRS 163.375 Litigation, compromise or abandonment of claim.
NRS 163.380 Employment and compensation of persons.
NRS 163.385 Acquisition and holding of property of two or more trusts undivided.
NRS 163.390 Establishment and maintenance of reserves.
NRS 163.395 Distribution in cash or kind.
NRS 163.400 Payment to or for minor or incapacitated person.
NRS 163.405 Apportionment or allocation of receipts and expenses.
NRS 163.410 Execution of contract or other instrument.
CHARITABLE TRUSTS
NRS 163.420 Short title.
NRS 163.430 Declaration of policy.
NRS 163.440 References to Internal Revenue Code.
NRS 163.450 Definitions.
NRS 163.460 “Charitable trust” defined.
NRS 163.470 “Private foundation trust” defined.
NRS 163.480 “Split interest trust” defined.
NRS 163.490 “Trust” defined.
NRS 163.500 “Trustee” defined.
NRS 163.510 Applicability.
NRS 163.520 Prohibited acts.
NRS 163.530 Minimum distribution required.
NRS 163.540 Amendment of trust instrument: Procedure.
NRS 163.550 Amendment of trust instrument: Provision for termination of status as private foundation.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
NRS 163.560 Irrevocable trust not to be construed as revocable.
NRS 163.565 Effect of divorce or annulment of marriage of settlor on revocable inter vivos trust.
NRS 163.570 Powers of trustee concerning gifts made by surviving spouse of decedent.
NRS 163.580 Duty of third person to ensure proper application of trust property.
NRS 163.590 Disposition of certain tangible personal property by reference to statement or list; requirements for admissibility of statement or list as evidence of intended disposition.
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GENERAL PROVISIONS
NRS 163.001 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 163.0011 to 163.0017, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.
(Added to NRS by 2001, 2350)
NRS 163.0011 “Electronic record” defined. “Electronic record” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 132.117.
(Added to NRS by 2001, 2350)
NRS 163.0013 “Electronic signature” defined. “Electronic signature” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 132.118.
(Added to NRS by 2001, 2350)
NRS 163.0015 “Electronic trust” defined. “Electronic trust” means a trust instrument that complies with the requirements of NRS 163.0095.
(Added to NRS by 2001, 2350)
NRS 163.0017 “Record” defined. “Record” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 132.287.
(Added to NRS by 2001, 2350)
NRS 163.0019 Terms: “Writing” or “written.” As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, when the term “writing” or “written” is used in reference to a will, trust or instrument to convey property, the term includes an electronic will as defined in NRS 132.119 or an electronic trust as defined in NRS 163.0015, as appropriate.
(Added to NRS by 2001, 2350)
CREATION AND VALIDITY OF TRUSTS
NRS 163.002 Creation: Methods. Except as otherwise provided by specific statute, a trust may be created by any of the following methods:
1. A declaration by the owner of property that he holds the property as trustee.
2. A transfer of property by the owner during his lifetime to another person as trustee.
3. A testamentary transfer of property by the owner to another person as trustee.
4. An exercise of a power of appointment to another person as trustee.
5. An enforceable promise to create a trust.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1704)
NRS 163.003 Creation: Requirements. A trust is created only if:
1. The settlor properly manifests an intention to create a trust; and
2. There is trust property, except as otherwise provided in NRS 163.230.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1704; A 1999, 2367)
NRS 163.004 Creation: Purpose.
1. A trust may be created for any purpose that is not illegal or against public policy.
2. A trust created for an indefinite or general purpose is not invalid for that reason if it can be determined with reasonable certainty that a particular use of the trust property is within that purpose.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1704)
NRS 163.005 Creation: Consideration. Consideration is not required to create a trust, but a promise to create a trust in the future is enforceable only if it meets the requirements for enforcement as a contract.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1705)
NRS 163.006 Creation: Beneficiary. A trust, other than a charitable trust, is created only if there is a beneficiary. This requirement is satisfied if the trust instrument provides for:
1. A beneficiary or class of beneficiaries that is ascertainable with reasonable certainty or that is sufficiently described so that it can be determined whether a person meets the description or is within the class; or
2. A grant of power to the trustee or some other person to select the beneficiary based on a standard or in the discretion of the trustee or other person.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1704)
NRS 163.007 Validity of trust providing for one or more successor beneficiaries. If a trust provides for one or more successor beneficiaries after the death of the settlor, the trust is not invalidated, merged or terminated because:
1. There is one settlor who is the sole trustee and the sole beneficiary during the lifetime of the settlor; or
2. There are two or more settlors, one or more of whom are trustees, and the beneficial interest in the trust is in one or more of the settlors during the lifetime of the settlors.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1704)
NRS 163.0075 Validity of trust providing for care of one or more animals.
1. A trust created for the care of one or more animals that are alive at the time of the settlor’s death is valid. Such a trust terminates upon the death of all animals covered by the terms of the trust. A settlor’s expression of intent must be liberally construed in favor of the creation of such a trust.
2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, property of a trust described in subsection 1 may not be used in a manner inconsistent with its intended use. Except as otherwise directed by the terms of the trust, if a court determines that the value of a trust described in subsection 1 exceeds the amount required to care for the animal beneficiary, the excess amount must be distributed to the person who would have taken the trust property if the trust had terminated on the date of the distribution.
3. The intended use of a trust described in subsection 1 may be enforced by the trustee or, if a trustee was not designated, by a person appointed by the court to act as the trustee. A person having a demonstrated interest in the welfare of the animal beneficiary may petition the court for an order to appoint himself as trustee or to remove the trustee. The court shall give preference for appointment to a person who demonstrates such an interest.
(Added to NRS by 2001, 958)
NRS 163.008 Validity of trust created in relation to real property; recordation.
1. A trust created in relation to real property is not valid unless it is created by operation of law or is evidenced by:
(a) A written instrument signed by the trustee, or by the agent of the trustee if he is authorized in writing to do so; or
(b) A written instrument, including, without limitation, an electronic trust, conveying the trust property and signed by the settlor, or by the agent of the settlor if he is authorized in writing to do so.
2. Such a trust may be recorded in the office of the county recorder in the county where all or a portion of the real property is located.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1704; A 2001, 2350)
NRS 163.009 Oral trust of personal property.
1. The existence and terms of an oral trust of personal property may be established only by clear and convincing evidence. The oral declaration of the settlor, in and of itself, is not sufficient to establish the creation of such a trust.
2. A reference in statute to a trust instrument or declaration means, in the case of an oral trust, the terms of the trust as established by clear and convincing evidence.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 1705)
NRS 163.0095 Electronic trust.
1. An electronic trust is a trust instrument that:
(a) Is written, created and stored in an electronic record;
(b) Contains the electronic signature of the settlor; and
(c) Meets the requirements set forth in this chapter for a valid trust.
2. An electronic trust shall be deemed to be executed in this State if the electronic trust is:
(a) Transmitted to and maintained by a custodian designated in the trust instrument at his place of business in this State or at his residence in this State; or
(b) Maintained by the settlor at his place of business in this State or at his residence in this State, or by the trustee at his place of business in this State or at his residence in this State.
3. The provisions of this section do not apply to a testamentary trust.
(Added to NRS by 2001, 2350)
TRUSTS (UNIFORM ACT)
NRS 163.010 Short title. NRS 163.010 to 163.200, inclusive, may be cited as the Uniform Trusts Act.
[20:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.49]—(NRS A 1967, 763; 1999, 2367)
NRS 163.020 Definitions. As used in NRS 163.010 to 163.200, inclusive, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:
1. “Affiliate” means any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by another person, or any person under direct or indirect common control with another person. It includes any person with whom a trustee has an express or implied agreement regarding the purchase of trust investments by each from the other, directly or indirectly, except a broker or stock exchange.
2. “Relative” means a spouse, ancestor, descendant, brother or sister.
3. “Trust” means an express trust only.
4. “Trustee” means the person holding property in trust and includes trustees, a corporate as well as a natural person and a successor or substitute trustee.
[1:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.30]—(NRS A 1967, 763; 1985, 510; 1999, 2367)
NRS 163.023 Powers of trustee. A trustee has the powers provided in the trust instrument, expressed by law or granted by the court upon petition, as necessary or appropriate to accomplish a purpose of the trust, but the court may not grant a power expressly prohibited by the trust instrument.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 2366)
NRS 163.027 Distribution of property or money of trust: Powers of trustee; manner; consent of affected beneficiaries required for distribution without proration under certain circumstances.
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2 or in the trust, a trustee may distribute property and money:
(a) In divided or undivided interests; and
(b) With or without proration.
2. Each affected beneficiary must consent before property or money is distributed without proration, unless the trust specifically authorizes the trustee to make that distribution.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 2366)
NRS 163.030 Loan of money held in trust. Except as provided in NRS 163.040, no corporate trustee shall lend trust funds to itself or an affiliate, or to any director, officer, or employee of itself or of an affiliate; nor shall any noncorporate trustee lend trust funds to himself, or to his relative, employer, employee, partner, or other business associate.
[2:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.31]
NRS 163.040 Corporate trustee may deposit with self certain money held in trust.
1. A corporate trustee which is subject to regulation and supervision by state or federal authorities may deposit with itself trust funds which are being held necessarily pending investment, distribution, or the payment of debts, provided it pays into the trust for the deposit such interest as it is required by statute to pay on uninvested trust funds, or, if there is no statute, the same rate of interest it pays upon similar nontrust deposits, and maintains in its trust department as security for those deposits a separate fund consisting of securities legal for trust investments and at all times equal in total market value to the amount of the deposits. No security may be required to the extent that the deposit is insured or given a preference by any state or federal law.
2. The separate fund of securities must be marked as such. Withdrawals from or additions to it may be made from time to time, as long as the required value is maintained. The income of the securities belongs to the corporate trustee. In all statements of its financial condition published, or delivered to the Commissioner of Financial Institutions, the corporate trustee shall show as separate items the amount of trust funds which it has deposited with itself and the amount of securities which it holds as security for the payment of those deposits.
[3:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.32]—(NRS A 1983, 1697; 1987, 1875)
NRS 163.050 Trustee buying from or selling to self or affiliate.
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, no trustee may directly or indirectly buy or sell any property for the trust from or to itself or an affiliate, or from or to a director, officer or employee of the trustee or of an affiliate, or from or to a relative, employer, partner or other business associate of a trustee, except with the prior approval of the court having jurisdiction of the trust estate.
2. If authorized by the trust instrument or consented to by all beneficiaries of the trust, a corporate trustee may directly or indirectly buy or sell any property, other than real property, for the trust from or to itself or an affiliate, or from or to a director, officer or employee of the trustee or of an affiliate, or from or to a relative, employer, partner or other business associate of the trustee.
[4:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.33]—(NRS A 1999, 2367; 2003, 2265)
NRS 163.060 Trustee selling from one trust to self as trustee of another trust.
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2 or authorized by the trust instrument, a trustee shall not as trustee of one trust sell property to itself as trustee of another trust except with the approval of the court having jurisdiction of the trust estate.
2. A bank or other corporate trustee which is subject to regulation by state or federal authorities may sell a security which is listed on a regulated stock exchange or sold over the counter by the National Association of Securities Dealers and is held by it as fiduciary in one account to itself as fiduciary in another account if the transaction is fair to the beneficiaries of both accounts and is not otherwise expressly prohibited by a particular statute.
[5:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.34]—(NRS A 1981, 557; 1999, 2367)
NRS 163.070 Purchase by corporate trustee of its own stocks, bonds or other securities for trust prohibited unless specifically authorized. Except as otherwise authorized by the trust instrument or order of the court, a corporate trustee shall not purchase for a trust shares of its own stock, or its bonds or other securities, or the stock, bonds or other securities of an affiliate.
[6:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.35]—(NRS A 1999, 2367)
NRS 163.080 Voting stock. A trustee owning corporate stock may vote it by proxy, but shall be liable for any loss resulting to the beneficiaries from a failure to use reasonable care in deciding how to vote the stock and in voting it.
[7:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.36]
NRS 163.090 Holding stock in name of nominee. A trustee owning stock may hold it in the name of a nominee without mention of the trust in the stock certificate or stock registration books; providing that:
1. The trust records and all reports or accounts rendered by the trustee clearly show the ownership of the stock by the trustee and the facts regarding its holding; and
2. The nominee shall deposit with the trustee a signed statement showing the trust ownership.
Ê The trustee shall be personally liable for any loss to the trust resulting from any act of such nominee in connection with stock so held.
[8:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.37]—(NRS A 1961, 471)
NRS 163.100 Powers of trustee attached to office. Unless it is otherwise provided by the trust instrument or by court order, all powers of a trustee are attached to the office and are not personal.
[9:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.38]—(NRS A 1999, 2368)
NRS 163.110 Powers of cotrustees: Exercisable by majority if more than two cotrustees; liability of dissenting cotrustee; unanimous action required if only two cotrustees; petition of interested person.
1. Unless it is otherwise provided by the trust instrument or by court order, any power vested in three or more trustees may be exercised by a majority of the trustees. A trustee who has not joined in exercising a power is not liable to the beneficiaries or to others for the consequences of the exercise of power and a dissenting trustee is not liable for the consequences of an act in which that trustee joined at the direction of the majority trustees, if he expressed his dissent in writing to any of his cotrustees at or before the time of the joinder.
2. This section does not excuse a cotrustee from liability for inactivity in the administration of the trust nor for failure to attempt to prevent a breach of trust.
3. Except as otherwise authorized in the trust instrument or by order of the court, a power vested in two trustees may only be exercised by unanimous action.
4. If the trustees cannot exercise a power vested in them in a manner permitted by this section, an interested person may petition the court for appropriate instructions pursuant to NRS 164.010 and 164.015.
[10:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.39]—(NRS A 1999, 2368)
NRS 163.115 Breach of trust by trustee: Maintenance of proceeding; permissible purposes for maintenance of proceeding; nonexclusivity of remedies; method of commencing proceeding.
1. If a trustee commits or threatens to commit a breach of trust, a beneficiary or cotrustee of the trust may maintain a proceeding for any of the following purposes that is appropriate:
(a) To compel the trustee to perform his duties.
(b) To enjoin the trustee from committing the breach of trust.
(c) To compel the trustee to redress the breach of trust by payment of money or otherwise.
(d) To appoint a receiver or temporary trustee to take possession of the trust property and administer the trust.
(e) To remove the trustee.
(f) To set aside acts of the trustee.
(g) To reduce or deny compensation of the trustee.
(h) To impose an equitable lien or a constructive trust on trust property.
(i) To trace trust property that has been wrongfully disposed of and recover the property or its proceeds.
2. The provision of remedies in subsection 1 does not preclude resort to any other appropriate remedy provided by statute or common law.
3. A proceeding under this section must be commenced by filing a petition under NRS 164.010 and 164.015.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 2365)
NRS 163.120 Claims based on certain contracts or obligations: Assertion against trust; entry of judgment; notice; intervention; personal liability of trustee; significance of use of certain terms.
1. A claim based on a contract entered into by a trustee in the capacity of representative, or on an obligation arising from ownership or control of trust property, may be asserted against the trust by proceeding against the trustee in the capacity of representative, whether or not the trustee is personally liable on the claim.
2. A judgment may not be entered in favor of the plaintiff in the action unless the plaintiff proves that within 30 days after filing the action, or within 30 days after the filing of a report of an early case conference if one is required, whichever is longer, or within such other time as the court may fix, and more than 30 days before obtaining the judgment, the plaintiff notified each of the beneficiaries known to the trustee who then had a present interest, or in the case of a charitable trust, the Attorney General and any corporation which is a beneficiary or agency in the performance of the charitable trust, of the existence and nature of the action. The notice must be given by mailing copies to the beneficiaries at their last known addresses. The trustee shall furnish the plaintiff a list of the beneficiaries to be notified, and their addresses, within 10 days after written demand therefor, and notification of the persons on the list constitutes compliance with the duty placed on the plaintiff by this section. Any beneficiary, or in the case of charitable trusts the Attorney General and any corporation which is a beneficiary or agency in the performance of the charitable trust, may intervene in the action and contest the right of the plaintiff to recover.
3. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or in the contract, a trustee is not personally liable on a contract properly entered into in the capacity of representative in the course of administration of the trust unless the trustee fails to reveal the representative capacity or identify the trust in the contract. The addition of the word “trustee” or the words “as trustee” after the signature of a trustee to a contract are prima facie evidence of an intent to exclude the trustee from personal liability.
[11:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.40]—(NRS A 1999, 2368)
NRS 163.130 Exoneration or reimbursement of trustee for tort.
1. A trustee who has incurred personal liability for a tort committed in the administration of the trust is entitled to exoneration therefor from the trust property if he has not discharged the claim, or to be reimbursed therefor out of trust funds if he has paid the claim, if:
(a) The tort was a common incident of the kind of business activity in which the trustee was properly engaged for the trust; or
(b) Although the tort was not a common incident of such activity, neither the trustee nor any officer or employee of the trustee was guilty of personal fault in incurring the liability.
2. If a trustee commits a tort which increases the value of the trust property, he shall be entitled to exoneration or reimbursement with respect thereto to the extent of such increase in value, even though he would not otherwise be entitled to exoneration or reimbursement.
3. Nothing in this section shall be construed to change the existing law with regard to the liability of trustees of charitable trusts for torts of themselves or their employees.
[12:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.41]
NRS 163.140 Commission of tort by trustee or predecessor: Prerequisites to suit and collection from trust property; plaintiff not required to prove certain matters; entry of judgment; notice; intervention; personal liability of trustee; nonalteration of certain existing law.
1. If a trustee or his predecessor has committed a tort in the course of his administration of the trust, the trustee in the capacity of representative may be sued and collection had from the trust property, if the court determines in the action that:
(a) The tort was a common incident of the kind of business activity in which the trustee or his predecessor was properly engaged for the trust;
(b) That, although the tort was not a common incident of such activity, neither the trustee nor his predecessor, nor any officer or employee of the trustee or his predecessor, was guilty of personal fault in incurring the liability; or
(c) That, although the tort did not fall within paragraph (a) or (b), it increased the value of the trust property.
Ê If the tort is within paragraph (a) or (b), collection may be had of the full amount of damage proved, and if the tort is within paragraph (c) above, collection may be had only to the extent of the increase in the value of the trust property.
2. In an action against the trustee in the capacity of representative under this section, the plaintiff need not prove that the trustee could have secured reimbursement from the trust fund if the trustee had paid the plaintiff’s claim.
3. A judgment may not be entered in favor of the plaintiff in the action unless he proves that, within 30 days after filing the action, or within 30 days after the filing of a report of an early case conference if one is required, whichever is longer, or within such other period as the court may fix, and more than 30 days before obtaining the judgment, he notified each of the beneficiaries known to the trustee who then had a present interest of the existence and nature of the action. The notice must be given by mailing copies to the beneficiaries at their last known addresses. The trustee shall furnish the plaintiff a list of the beneficiaries and their addresses, within 10 days after written demand therefor, and notification of the persons on the list constitutes compliance with the duty placed on the plaintiff by this section. Any beneficiary may intervene in the action and contest the right of the plaintiff to recover.
4. Subject to the rights of exoneration or reimbursement provided in NRS 163.130, the trustee may also be held personally liable for any tort committed by him, or by his agents or employees in the course of their employments only if the trustee, agent or employee is personally at fault.
5. This section does not change the existing law with regard to the liability of trustees of charitable trusts for torts of themselves or their employees.
[13:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.42]—(NRS A 1999, 2369)
NRS 163.145 Using power to appoint or distribute income to discharge own legal obligation prohibited. Except as otherwise specifically provided in the trust instrument, a person who holds a power to appoint or distribute income or principal to or for the benefit of others, individually or as trustee, may not use the power to discharge his legal obligations.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 2365)
NRS 163.150 Withdrawal from mingled money of multiple trusts. Where a person who is a trustee of two or more trusts has mingled the money of two or more trusts in the same aggregate of cash, or in the same bank, credit union or brokerage account or other investment, and a withdrawal is made therefrom by the trustee for his own benefit, or for the benefit of a third person not a beneficiary or creditor of one or more of the trusts, or for an unknown purpose, the withdrawal must be charged first to the amount of cash, credit or other property of the trustee in the mingled fund, if any, and after the exhaustion of the trustee’s cash, credit or other property, then to the trusts in proportion to their interests in the cash, credit or other property at the time of the withdrawal.
[14:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.43]—(NRS A 1999, 1459)
NRS 163.160 Power of settlor; liability of trustee for breach of trust.
1. The settlor of a trust affected by NRS 163.010 to 163.200, inclusive, may, by provision in the instrument creating the trust if the trust was created by a writing, or by oral statement to the trustee at the time of the creation of the trust if the trust was created orally, or by an amendment of the trust if the settlor reserved the power to amend the trust, relieve his trustee from any or all of the duties, restrictions and liabilities which would otherwise be imposed upon him by NRS 163.010 to 163.200, inclusive, or alter or deny to his trustee any or all of the privileges and powers conferred upon the trustee by NRS 163.010 to 163.200, inclusive, or add duties, restrictions, liabilities, privileges or powers to those imposed or granted by NRS 163.010 to 163.200, inclusive, but no act of the settlor relieves a trustee from the duties, restrictions and liabilities imposed upon him by NRS 163.030, 163.040 and 163.050.
2. Except as otherwise provided in subsections 1 and 3, a trustee may be relieved of liability for breach of trust by provisions of the trust instrument.
3. A provision of the trust instrument is not effective to relieve a trustee of liability:
(a) For breach of trust committed intentionally, with gross negligence, in bad faith, or with reckless indifference to the interest of a beneficiary; or
(b) For any profit that he derives from a breach of trust.
[15:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.44]—(NRS A 1999, 2370)
NRS 163.170 Power of beneficiary. A beneficiary of a trust affected by NRS 163.010 to 163.200, inclusive, may, if of full legal capacity and acting upon full information, by written instrument delivered to the trustee, relieve the trustee as to that beneficiary from any or all of the duties, restrictions and liabilities which would otherwise be imposed on the trustee by NRS 163.010 to 163.200, inclusive, except as to the duties, restrictions and liabilities imposed by NRS 163.030, 163.040 and 163.050. The beneficiary may release the trustee from liability to him for past violations of any of the provisions of NRS 163.010 to 163.200, inclusive.
[16:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.45]—(NRS A 1999, 2370)
NRS 163.180 Power of court. A court may, for cause shown and upon notice to the beneficiaries, relieve a trustee from any or all of the duties and restrictions which would otherwise be placed upon the trustee by NRS 163.010 to 163.200, inclusive, or wholly or partly excuse a trustee who has acted honestly and reasonably from liability for violation of the provisions of NRS 163.010 to 163.200, inclusive.
[17:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.46]—(NRS A 1967, 763; 1999, 2371)
NRS 163.185 Power of court to order termination and distribution of trust before time provided in trust instrument. Upon such terms and conditions as are just and proper, the court may order termination and distribution of a trust before the time provided in the trust instrument, if administration or continued administration of the trust is no longer feasible or economical. A petition for such an order may be filed by an interested person under. NRS 164.010 and 164.015.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 2366)
NRS 163.190 Penalty for violation of certain provisions of chapter. If a trustee violates any of the provisions of NRS 163.010 to 163.200, inclusive, he may be removed and denied compensation in whole or in part, and any beneficiary, cotrustee or successor trustee may treat the violation as a breach of trust.
[18:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.47]—(NRS A 1967, 763; 1999, 2371)
NRS 163.200 Uniformity of interpretation. NRS 163.010 to 163.200, inclusive, must be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate their general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact them.
[19:136:1941; 1931 NCL § 7718.48]—(NRS A 1967, 763; 1999, 2371)
TESTAMENTARY ADDITIONS TO TRUSTS (UNIFORM ACT)
NRS 163.220 Short title. This section and NRS 163.230 and 163.250 may be cited as the Uniform Testamentary Additions to Trusts Act.
(Added to NRS by 1967, 762)
NRS 163.230 Testamentary addition to trust.
1. A devise, the validity of which is determinable by the law of this state, may be made by a will to a trustee or trustees of a trust established or created by the testator, or by the testator and some other person or persons, or by some other person or persons, including a funded or unfunded life insurance trust, although the settlor has reserved any or all rights of ownership of the insurance contracts, if the trust is identified in the testator’s will and the terms are set forth in a written instrument other than a will, executed before or concurrently with the execution of the testator’s will, or in the valid last will of a person who has predeceased the testator, regardless of the existence, size or character of the corpus of the trust.
2. The devise is not invalid because the trust is amendable or revocable, or both, or because the trust was amended after the execution of the will or after the death of the testator.
3. Unless the testator’s will provides otherwise, the property so devised:
(a) Shall not be deemed to be held under a testamentary trust of the testator but is a part of the trust to which it is given; and
(b) Must be administered and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the instrument or will setting forth the terms of the trust, including any amendments thereto made before the death of the testator, regardless of whether made before or after the execution of the testator’s will, or any modifications or amendments whenever made, which are made pursuant to the Charitable Trust Act of 1971, and, if the testator’s will so provides, including any amendments to the trust made after the death of the testator.
4. A revocation or termination of the trust before the death of the testator causes the devise to lapse.
(Added to NRS by 1967, 762; A 1971, 634; 1985, 244; 1999, 2371)
NRS 163.250 Uniformity of interpretation. This section and NRS 163.220 and 163.230 shall be so construed as to effectuate their general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact them.
(Added to NRS by 1967, 763)
TRUST POWERS WHICH MAY BE INCLUDED IN A WILL OR AGREEMENT BY REFERENCE
NRS 163.260 Incorporation by reference of powers enumerated in NRS 163.265 to 163.410, inclusive; restriction on exercise of such powers.
1. By an expressed intention of the testator or settlor to do so contained in a will, or in an instrument in writing whereby a trust estate is created inter vivos, any or all of the powers or any portion thereof enumerated in NRS 163.265 to 163.410, inclusive, as they exist at the time that the testator signs the will or places his electronic signature on the will, if it is an electronic will, or at the time that the first settlor signs the trust instrument or places his electronic signature on the trust instrument, if it is an electronic trust, may be, by appropriate reference made thereto, incorporated in such will or other written instrument, with the same effect as though such language were set forth verbatim in the instrument. Incorporation of one or more of the powers contained in NRS 163.265 to 163.410, inclusive, by reference to the proper section shall be in addition to and not in limitation of the common-law or statutory powers of the fiduciary.
2. A fiduciary shall not exercise any power or authority conferred as provided in NRS 163.260 to 163.410, inclusive, in such a manner as, in the aggregate, to deprive the trust or the estate involved of an otherwise available tax exemption, deduction or credit, expressly including the marital deduction, or operate to impose a tax upon a donor or testator or other person as owner of any portion of the trust or estate involved. “Tax” includes, but is not limited to, any federal income, gift, estate or inheritance tax.
3. This section does not prevent the incorporation of the powers enumerated in NRS 163.265 to 163.410, inclusive, in any other kind of instrument or agreement.
4. As used in this section, “electronic will” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 132.119.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 449; A 2001, 2350)
NRS 163.265 Retention of property. A fiduciary may retain for such time as the fiduciary deems advisable any property, real or personal, which the fiduciary may receive, even though the retention of such property by reason of its character, amount, proportion to the total estate or otherwise would not be appropriate for the fiduciary apart from this provision.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 449)
NRS 163.270 Sale, exchange or other disposition of property.
1. A fiduciary may:
(a) Sell, exchange, give options upon, partition or otherwise dispose of any property or interest therein which the fiduciary may hold from time to time, with or without order of court, at public or private sale or otherwise, upon such terms and conditions, including credit, and for such consideration as the fiduciary deems advisable.
(b) Transfer and convey the property or interest therein which is at the disposal of the fiduciary, in fee simple, absolute or otherwise, free of all trust.
2. The person dealing with the fiduciary has no duty to follow the proceeds or other consideration received by the fiduciary from such sale or exchange.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 449)
NRS 163.275 Investments; reinvestments; delegation of authority to invest.
1. A fiduciary may invest and reinvest, as he deems advisable:
(a) In stocks, common or preferred, bonds, debentures, notes, mortgages or other securities in or outside the United States;
(b) In insurance contracts on the life of any beneficiary or of any person in whom a beneficiary has an insurable interest, or in annuity contracts for any beneficiary;
(c) In any real or personal property;
(d) In investment trusts;
(e) In participations in common trust funds;
(f) In securities of any corporation, trust, association or fund:
(1) Which is engaged, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities;
(2) Whose assets are invested principally in cash or in securities of other issuers; and
(3) Which is registered as an investment company with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and
(g) Generally in such property as the fiduciary deems advisable, even though the investment is not of the character approved by applicable law but for this section.
2. A fiduciary may delegate the authority to invest, but he is not thereby relieved of any liability that exists in the absence of delegation.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 450; A 1985, 17; 1999, 2372)
NRS 163.280 Investments without diversification. A fiduciary may make investments which cause a greater proportion of the total property held by the fiduciary to be invested in investments of one type or of one company than would be considered appropriate for the fiduciary apart from this section.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 450)
NRS 163.285 Continuation of business.
1. A fiduciary may, to the extent and upon such terms and conditions and for such periods of time as the fiduciary deems necessary or advisable, continue or participate in the operation of any business or other enterprise, whatever its form of organization, including but not limited to the power to:
(a) Effect incorporation, dissolution, or other change in the form of the organization of the business or enterprise;
(b) Dispose of any interest therein or acquire the interest of others therein;
(c) Contribute thereto or invest therein additional capital or to lend money thereto, in any such case upon such terms and conditions as the fiduciary approves from time to time; or
(d) Determine whether the liabilities incurred in the conduct of the business are to be chargeable solely to the part of the estate or trust set aside for use in the business or to the estate or trust as a whole; and
2. In all cases in which the fiduciary is required to file accounts in any court or in any other public office, it is not necessary to itemize receipts and disbursements and distributions of property but it is sufficient for the fiduciary to show in the account a single figure or consolidation of figures; and the fiduciary may account for money and property received from the business and any payments made to the business in lump sum without itemization.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 450)
NRS 163.290 Formation of corporation, limited-liability company or other entity. A fiduciary may form a corporation, limited-liability company or other entity, and transfer, assign and convey to the corporation, limited-liability company or entity all or any part of the estate or of any trust property in exchange for the stock, securities or obligations of the corporation, limited-liability company or entity, and continue to hold the stock and securities and obligations.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 450; A 1999, 2372)
NRS 163.295 Continuation of farming operation. A fiduciary may continue any farming operation received by the fiduciary pursuant to the will, trust or other instrument and do any and all things deemed advisable by the fiduciary in the management and maintenance of such farm and the production and marketing of crops and dairy, poultry, livestock, orchard and the forest products, including, but not limited to, the following powers:
1. To operate the farm with hired labor, tenants or sharecroppers;
2. To lease or rent the farm for cash or for a share of the crops;
3. To purchase or otherwise acquire farm machinery and equipment and livestock;
4. To construct, repair and improve farm buildings of all kinds needed, in the fiduciary’s judgment, for the operation of the farm;
5. To make or obtain loans or advances at the prevailing rate or rates of interest for farm purposes such as for production, harvesting or marketing, or for the construction, repair or improvement of farm buildings, or for the purchase of farm machinery, equipment or livestock;
6. To employ approved soil conservation practices in order to conserve, improve and maintain the fertility and productivity of the soil;
7. To protect, manage and improve the timber and forest on the farm and sell the timber and forest products when it is to the best interest of the estate;
8. To ditch, dam and drain damp or wet fields and areas of the farm when and where needed;
9. To engage in the production of livestock, poultry or dairy products, and to construct such fences and buildings and plant such pastures and crops as may be necessary to carry on such operations;
10. To market the products of the farm; and
11. In general, to employ good husbandry in the farming operation.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 450; A 1999, 2372)
NRS 163.300 Management of real property. In the management of real property a fiduciary may:
1. Improve, manage, protect and subdivide any real property;
2. Dedicate or withdraw from dedication parks, streets, highways or alleys;
3. Terminate any subdivision or part thereof;
4. Borrow money for the purposes authorized by this section for such periods of time and upon such terms and conditions as to rates, maturities and renewals as the fiduciary deems advisable and mortgage or otherwise encumber any such property or part thereof, whether in possession or reversion;
5. Lease any such property or part thereof to commence at the present or in the future, upon such terms and conditions, including options to renew or purchase, and for such period or periods of time as the fiduciary deems advisable although such period or periods may extend beyond the duration of the trust or the administration of the estate involved;
6. Make gravel, sand, oil, gas and other mineral leases, contracts, licenses, conveyances or grants of every nature and kind which are lawful in the jurisdiction in which such property lies;
7. Manage and improve timber and forests on such property, sell the timber and forest products, and make grants, leases and contracts with respect thereto;
8. Modify, renew or extend leases;
9. Employ agents to rent and collect rents;
10. Create easements and release, convey or assign any right, title or interest with respect to any easement on such property or part thereof;
11. Erect, repair or renovate any building or other improvement on such property, and remove or demolish any building or other improvement in whole or in part; and
12. Deal with any such property and every part thereof in all other ways and for such other purposes or considerations as it would be lawful for any person owning the same to deal with such property either in the same or in different ways from those specified elsewhere in this section.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 451)
NRS 163.305 Payment of taxes and expenses. A fiduciary may pay taxes, assessments, compensation of the fiduciary, and other expenses incurred in the collection, care, administration and protection of the trust or estate.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 452)
NRS 163.310 Receipt of additional property. A fiduciary may receive additional property from any source and administer such additional property as a portion of the appropriate trust or estate under the management of the fiduciary, but may not be required to receive such property without his consent.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 452)
NRS 163.315 Dealing with other fiduciaries. In dealing with one or more fiduciaries, a fiduciary may:
1. Sell property, real or personal, to, or exchange property with, the trustee of any trust which the decedent or the settlor or the settlor’s spouse or any child of the settlor has created, for such estates and upon such terms and conditions as to sale price, terms of payment and security as to the fiduciary seem advisable. The fiduciary has no duty to follow the proceeds of any such sale.
2. Borrow money for such periods of time and upon such terms and conditions as to rates, maturities, renewals and securities as the fiduciary deems available from any trust created by the decedent, or the spouse or child of the decedent, for the purpose of:
(a) Paying debts of the decedent, taxes, the costs of the administration of the estate and like charges against the estate, or any part thereof; or
(b) Discharging the liability of any fiduciary thereof. A fiduciary may mortgage, pledge or otherwise encumber such portion of the estate or any trust as may be required to obtain the loan or loans and to renew the loans.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 452; A 1999, 2373)
NRS 163.320 Borrowing money; renewing existing loans. A fiduciary may:
1. Borrow money for such periods of time and upon such terms and conditions as to rates, maturities, renewals and security as the fiduciary deems advisable, including the power of a corporate fiduciary to borrow from its own banking department, for the purpose of paying debts, taxes or other charges against the estate or any trust, or any part thereof;
2. Provide a guarantee by the trust or mortgage, pledge or otherwise encumber such portion of the estate or any trust as may be required to obtain loan or loans; and
3. Renew existing loans either as maker or endorser.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 452; A 1999, 2373)
NRS 163.325 Advancing money. A fiduciary may advance money for the protection of the trust or estate, and for all expenses, losses and liabilities sustained in the administration of the trust or estate or because of the holding or ownership of any trust or estate assets, for which advances with any interest the fiduciary shall have a lien on the assets of the trust or estate as against a beneficiary.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 452)
NRS 163.330 Voting shares. A fiduciary may vote shares of stock owned by the estate or any trust at stockholders’ meetings in person or by special, limited or general proxy, with or without power of substitution.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 452; A 1975, 446)
NRS 163.335 Registration in name of nominee. A fiduciary may hold a security in the name of a nominee or in other form without disclosure of the fiduciary relationship so that title to the security may pass by delivery, but the fiduciary shall be liable for any act of the nominee in connection with the stock so held.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 452)
NRS 163.340 Exercise of options, rights and privileges. A fiduciary may:
1. Exercise all options, rights and privileges to convert stocks, bonds, debentures, notes, mortgages or other property into other stocks, bonds, debentures, notes, mortgages or other property;
2. Subscribe for other or additional stocks, bonds, debentures, notes, mortgages or other property; and
3. Hold such stocks, bonds, debentures, notes, mortgages or other property so acquired as investments of the estate or trust so long as the fiduciary deems advisable.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 453)
NRS 163.345 Participation in reorganization. A fiduciary may:
1. Unite with other owners of property similar to any which may be held at any time in the decedent’s estate or in any trusts in carrying out any plan for the consolidation or merger, dissolution or liquidation, foreclosure, lease or sale of the property, incorporation or reincorporation, reorganization or readjustment of the capital or financial structure of any corporation, company or association the securities of which may form any portion of an estate or trust;
2. Become and serve as a member of a stockholders or bondholders protective committee;
3. Deposit securities in accordance with any plan agreed upon;
4. Pay any assessments, expenses or sums of money that may be required for the protection or furtherance of the interest of the distributees of an estate or beneficiaries of any trust with reference to any such plan; and
5. Receive as investments of any estate or any trust any securities issued as a result of the execution of such plan.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 453)
NRS 163.350 Reduction of interest rate. A fiduciary may reduce the interest rate from time to time on any obligation, whether secured or unsecured, constituting a part of an estate or trust.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 453)
NRS 163.355 Continuation of obligation. A fiduciary may continue any obligation, whether secured or unsecured, upon and after maturity with or without renewal or extension upon such terms as the fiduciary deems advisable, without regard to the value of the security, if any, at the time of such continuance.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 453)
NRS 163.360 Foreclosure; bidding in property. A fiduciary may:
1. Foreclose, as an incident to the collection of any bond, note or other obligation, any mortgage, deed of trust or other lien securing such bond, note or other obligation;
2. Bid in the property at such foreclosure sale, or acquire the property by deed from the mortgagor or obligor without foreclosure; and
3. Retain the property so bid in or taken over without foreclosure.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 453)
NRS 163.365 Insurance. A fiduciary may carry such insurance coverage, including public liability, for such hazards and in such amounts, either in stock companies or in mutual companies, as the fiduciary deems advisable.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 453)
NRS 163.370 Collections. A fiduciary may collect, receive and receipt for rents, issues, profits and income of an estate or trust.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 453)
NRS 163.375 Litigation, compromise or abandonment of claim. A fiduciary may compromise, adjust, arbitrate, sue on or defend, abandon or otherwise deal with and settle claims in favor of or against the estate or trust as the fiduciary deems advisable, and the fiduciary’s decision shall be conclusive between the fiduciary and the beneficiaries of the estate or trust and the person against or for whom the claim is asserted, in the absence of fraud by such person, and, in the absence of fraud, bad faith or gross negligence of the fiduciary, shall be conclusive between the fiduciary and the beneficiaries of the estate or trust.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 453)
NRS 163.380 Employment and compensation of persons. A fiduciary may employ and compensate, out of income or principal or both and in such proportion as the fiduciary deems advisable, persons deemed by the fiduciary needful to advise or assist in the proper settlement of the estate or administration of any trust, including, but not limited to, agents, accountants, brokers, attorneys at law, attorneys-in-fact, investment brokers, rental agents, realtors, appraisers and tax specialists; and do so without liability for any neglect, omission, misconduct or default of such agent or representative if he was selected and retained with due care on the part of the fiduciary.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 454)
NRS 163.385 Acquisition and holding of property of two or more trusts undivided.
1. A fiduciary may:
(a) Acquire, receive, hold and retain the principal of several trusts created by a single instrument undivided until division becomes necessary in order to make distributions.
(b) Hold, manage, invest, reinvest and account for the several shares or parts of shares by appropriate entries in the fiduciary’s books of account, and allocate to each share or part of share its proportionate part of all receipts and expenses.
2. The provisions of this section shall not defer the vesting in possession of any share or part of share of the estate or trust.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 454)
NRS 163.390 Establishment and maintenance of reserves.
1. A fiduciary may:
(a) Set up proper and reasonable reserves for taxes, assessments, insurance premiums, depreciation, obsolescence, amortization, depletion of mineral or timber properties, repairs, improvements and general maintenance of buildings or other property out of rents, profits or other income received; and
(b) Set up reserves also for the equalization of payments to or for beneficiaries.
2. The provisions of this section shall not affect the ultimate interests of beneficiaries in such reserves.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 454)
NRS 163.395 Distribution in cash or kind.
1. A fiduciary may:
(a) Make distribution of capital assets of the estate or trust in kind or in cash, or partially in kind and partially in cash, in divided or undivided interests, as the fiduciary finds to be most practicable and for the best interests of the distributees; and
(b) Determine the value of capital assets for the purpose of making distribution thereof if and when there is more than one distributee thereof, which determination shall be binding upon the distributees unless clearly capricious, erroneous and inequitable.
2. The fiduciary shall not exercise any power under this section unless the fiduciary holds title to or an interest in the property to be distributed and is required or authorized to make distribution thereof.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 454)
NRS 163.400 Payment to or for minor or incapacitated person. A fiduciary may:
1. Make payments in money, or in property in lieu of money, to or for a minor or incapacitated person in any one or more of the following ways:
(a) Directly to the minor or incapacitated person.
(b) To apply directly in payment for the support, maintenance, education and medical, surgical, hospital or other institutional care of the minor or incapacitated person.
(c) To the legal or natural guardian of the minor or incapacitated person.
(d) To any other person, whether or not appointed guardian of the person by any court, who has, in fact, the care and custody of the person of the minor or incapacitated person.
2. The fiduciary has no duty to see to the application of the payments so made, if the fiduciary exercised due care in the selection of the person, including the minor or incapacitated person, to whom the payments were made, and the receipt of that person is full acquittance to the fiduciary.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 454; A 1999, 2373)
NRS 163.405 Apportionment or allocation of receipts and expenses. A fiduciary may determine:
1. What is principal and what is income of any estate or trust and may allocate or apportion receipts and expenses as between principal and income in the exercise of the fiduciary’s discretion, and, by way of illustration and no limitation of the fiduciary’s discretion, may charge premiums on securities purchased at a premium against principal or income or partly against each.
2. Whether to apply stock dividends and other noncash dividends to income or principal or apportion them as the fiduciary deems advisable.
3. What expenses, costs, taxes (other than estate, inheritance and succession taxes) and other governmental charges shall be charged against principal or income or apportioned between principal and income and in what proportions.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 455)
NRS 163.410 Execution of contract or other instrument. A fiduciary may make contracts and execute instruments, under seal or otherwise, as may be necessary in the exercise of the powers herein granted.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 455)
CHARITABLE TRUSTS
NRS 163.420 Short title. NRS 163.420 to 163.550, inclusive, shall be known as the Charitable Trust Act of 1971.
(Added to NRS by 1971, 632)
NRS 163.430 Declaration of policy. The legislature hereby declares that the policy of the State is to maximize the funds available for charitable purposes by minimizing, to the greatest extent practicable, the imposition of federal income and excise taxes upon trust assets otherwise available for charitable purposes.
(Added to NRS by 1971, 632)
NRS 163.440 References to Internal Revenue Code. As used in NRS 163.420 to 163.550, inclusive, unless otherwise indicated, section references are to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect on January 1, 1999, and include future amendments to such sections and corresponding provisions of future federal internal revenue laws.
(Added to NRS by 1971, 632; A 1999, 2374)
NRS 163.450 Definitions. As used in NRS 163.420 to 163.550, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 163.460 to 163.500, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in NRS 163.460 to 163.500, inclusive.
(Added to NRS by 1971, 632)
NRS 163.460 “Charitable trust” defined. “Charitable trust” means an organization described in Section 4947(a)(1).
(Added to NRS by 1971, 633)
NRS 163.470 “Private foundation trust” defined. “Private foundation trust” means a trust as defined in Section 509(a), including a trust described in Section 4947(a)(1).
(Added to NRS by 1971, 633)
NRS 163.480 “Split interest trust” defined. “Split interest trust” means a trust for individual and charitable beneficiaries as defined in and subject to the provisions of Section 4947(a)(2).
(Added to NRS by 1971, 633)
NRS 163.490 “Trust” defined. “Trust” means an express trust created by a trust instrument, including a last will and testament.
(Added to NRS by 1971, 633)
NRS 163.500 “Trustee” defined. “Trustee” means a trustee, trustees, person or persons possessing a power or powers referred to in NRS 163.420 to 163.550, inclusive.
(Added to NRS by 1971, 633)
NRS 163.510 Applicability. The provisions of NRS 163.420 to 163.550, inclusive, which are applicable to any of the trusts defined in NRS 163.460 to 163.500, inclusive, apply to all trusts, whether they were created before, on or after April 17, 1971.
(Added to NRS by 1971, 633)
1. In the administration of any private foundation trust, split interest trust or charitable trust which is subject to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect on January 1, 1999, the following acts are prohibited:
(a) Engaging in any act or “self-dealing,” as defined in Section 4941(d), which would give rise to any liability for the tax imposed by Section 4941(a);
(b) Retaining any “excess business holdings,” as defined in Section 4943(c), which would give rise to any liability for the tax imposed by Section 4943(a);
(c) Making any investments which would jeopardize the carrying out of any of the exempt purposes of the trust within the meaning of Section 4944, so as to give rise to any liability for the tax imposed by Section 4944(a); and
(d) Making any “taxable expenditures,” as defined in Section 4945(d), which would give rise to any liability for the tax imposed by Section 4945(a).
2. This section does not apply to those split interest trusts or amounts of such split interest trusts which are not subject to the prohibitions applicable to private foundations by reason of the provisions of Section 4947.
(Added to NRS by 1971, 633; A 1999, 2374)
NRS 163.530 Minimum distribution required. In the administration of any trust which is a private foundation trust or a charitable trust, there shall be distributed for the purposes specified in the trust instrument, for each taxable year, amounts at least sufficient to avoid liability for the tax imposed by Section 4942(a).
(Added to NRS by 1971, 633)
NRS 163.540 Amendment of trust instrument: Procedure.
1. A court of this state having jurisdiction over any trust to which NRS 163.420 to 163.550, inclusive, apply may amend any trust instrument to conform to the provisions of NRS 163.420 to 163.550, inclusive.
2. Any such amendment must be effected by the trustee filing a petition with the court. The clerk of the court shall set a date for the hearing of the petition, and the trustee shall cause notice of the hearing of the petition to be:
(a) Personally served on the settlor or settlors of the trust, if living, and on all named beneficiaries of the trust, if any, for the period and in the manner provided in NRS 155.010;
(b) Published on three dates of publication before the hearing, and if the newspaper is published more than once each week, there must be at least 10 days from the first to last date of publication, including both the first and the last days; and
(c) Delivered, together with a copy of the petition, to the Attorney General of the State of Nevada at the time of the filing of the petition.
3. At the hearing of the petition, the court may authorize the trustee to amend, revise, delete or add provisions to the trust instrument to conform to NRS 163.420 to 163.550, inclusive, to avoid the penalties and liabilities described in Sections 4941(a), 4942(a), 4943(a), 4944(a) and 4945(a), but if the settlor or settlors of the trust are living and competent to act, written consent of the settlor or settlors must first be obtained.
(Added to NRS by 1971, 633; A 1999, 2374)
NRS 163.550 Amendment of trust instrument: Provision for termination of status as private foundation. In addition to amending, revising, deleting or adding provisions to the articles of the trust to conform to the sections set out in subsection 3 of NRS 163.540, the petition may include a request, and the court or judge may authorize any modifications, revisions, deletions or additions to the term, or to the conditions and provisions of the articles of any trust subject to the jurisdiction of the court, for the trust to conform with the requirements for termination of private foundation status as provided in Section 507, or in order to avoid the tax provided in Section 507(c).
(Added to NRS by 1971, 634)
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
NRS 163.560 Irrevocable trust not to be construed as revocable.
1. If the settlor of any trust specifically declares in the instrument creating the trust that such trust is irrevocable it shall be irrevocable for all purposes, even though the settlor is also the beneficiary of such trust.
2. Such trust shall, under no circumstances, be construed to be revocable for the reason that the settlor and beneficiary is the same person.
(Added to NRS by 1973, 372)
NRS 163.565 Effect of divorce or annulment of marriage of settlor on revocable inter vivos trust. Divorce or annulment of the marriage of a settlor revokes every devise, beneficial interest or designation to serve as trustee given by the settlor to the former spouse of the settlor in a revocable inter vivos trust executed before the entry of the decree of divorce or annulment unless otherwise:
1. Provided in a property or separation agreement that is approved by the court in the divorce or annulment proceedings; or
2. Ordered by the court in the divorce or annulment proceedings,
Ê and the revocable inter vivos trust provisions take effect in the same manner as if the spouse had predeceased the trustor.
(Added to NRS by 2003, 342)
NRS 163.570 Powers of trustee concerning gifts made by surviving spouse of decedent. A trustee may:
1. Join with a decedent’s surviving spouse or the personal representative of the decedent’s estate in the execution and filing of a joint income tax return for any period before the decedent’s death for which the decedent had not filed an income tax or gift tax return on gifts made by the spouse;
2. Consent to treat such gifts as having been made one-half by the decedent for any period before his death; and
3. Pay such taxes thereon as are chargeable to the decedent.
(Added to NRS by 1979, 455; A 1999, 2375)
NRS 163.580 Duty of third person to ensure proper application of trust property. A third person who acts in good faith is not bound to ensure the proper application of trust property paid or delivered to a trustee.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 2366)
NRS 163.590 Disposition of certain tangible personal property by reference to statement or list; requirements for admissibility of statement or list as evidence of intended disposition.
1. Whether or not the provisions relating to electronic trusts apply, a trust may refer to a written statement or list, including, without limitation, a written statement or list contained in an electronic record, to dispose of items of tangible personal property not otherwise specifically disposed of by the trust, other than money, evidences of indebtedness, documents of title, securities and property used in a trade or business.
2. To be admissible as evidence of the intended disposition, the statement or list must contain:
(a) The date of its execution.
(b) A title indicating its purpose.
(c) A reference to the trust to which it relates.
(d) A reasonably certain description of the items to be disposed of and the beneficiaries.
(e) The handwritten signature or electronic signature of the settlor.
3. The statement or list may be:
(a) Referred to as a writing to be in existence at the death of the settlor.
(b) Prepared before or after the execution of the trust instrument.
(c) Altered by the settlor after its preparation.
(d) A writing which has no significance apart from its effect upon the dispositions made by the trust.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 2366; A 2001, 2351)