Me. Stat. tit. 18-B § 708

Current through 131st (2023-2024) Legislature Chapter 684
Section 708 - Compensation of trustee
1.Reasonable. If the terms of a trust do not specify the trustee's compensation, a trustee is entitled to compensation that is reasonable under the circumstances. A percentage fee is allowable under this section only if the fee is reasonable. Among the factors a court may consider as guides in determining the reasonableness of fees under this section are the following:
A. The time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved and the skill requisite to perform the service properly; [2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §1(NEW); 2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §2(AFF).]
B. The likelihood, if apparent to the trustee, that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude the person employed from other employment; [2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §1(NEW); 2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §2(AFF).]
C. The fee customarily charged in the locality for similar services; [2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §1(NEW); 2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §2(AFF).]
D. The amounts involved and the results obtained; [2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §1(NEW); 2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §2(AFF).]
E. The time limitations imposed by the trustee or by the circumstances; and [2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §1(NEW); 2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §2(AFF).]
F. The experience, reputation and ability of the person performing the services. [2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §1(NEW); 2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §2(AFF).]

The order of the factors in this subsection does not imply their relative importance.

[2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §1(NEW); 2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §2(AFF).]

2.Terms of trust. If the terms of a trust specify the trustee's compensation, the trustee is entitled to be compensated as specified, but the court may allow more or less compensation if:
A. The duties of the trustees are substantially different from those contemplated when the trust was created; or [2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §1(NEW); 2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §2(AFF).]
B. The compensation specified by the terms of the trust would be unreasonably low or high. [2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §1(NEW); 2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §2(AFF).]

[2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §1(NEW); 2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §2(AFF).]

3.Review; refunds if excessive. On petition of a qualified beneficiary, after notice to all qualified beneficiaries, the court may review the reasonableness of the compensation determined by the trustee for the trustee's services. A trustee who has received excessive compensation from a trust may be ordered to make appropriate refunds.

[2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §1(NEW); 2003, c. 618, Pt. A, §2(AFF).]

18-B M.R.S. § 708

2003, c. 618, §A1 (NEW) . 2003, c. 618, §A2 (AFF) .