Description
A powerful tool for amending or repairing irrevocable trusts is the binding NJSA. Most irrevocable trusts do not provide for the amending of trust terms except in instances where modification is necessary to comply with the tax code or other specified laws. However, there are four methods for repairing or modifying irrevocable trusts, which most states recognize: decanting, modification by a trust protector, a binding NJSA by the parties to the trust, and a variation of the NJSA, which is obtaining court approval of the settlement agreement.
An NJSA is an agreement among "interested persons" to make alterations to an irrevocable trust. Interested persons are generally defined as any person whose consent would be required to achieve a binding settlement were the settlement to be approved by the court.
Depending on state law provisions, the trust terms that an NJSA may modify are limited only by the restriction that the modification may not violate any material purpose of the trust and would be approved by a court if reviewed.
While versatile and powerful tools for modifying irrevocable trusts, NJSAs also contain risks. Estate planning counsel should have a thorough understanding of critical drafting practices to avoid severe and costly consequences.
Listen as our experienced panel provides a comprehensive and practical guide to using NJSAs to modify irrevocable trusts, including strategic tips and drafting tools.
Presented By
Mr. Massaro is a member in the firm’s Litigation, Real Estate, and Tax, Trusts & Estates Departments. He also serves as Co-Chair of the Firm’s Estates and Trusts Litigation Practice Group. Mr. Massaro has successfully resolved a variety of state and federal court matters for both individuals and businesses. Although most of his cases are addressed in New Jersey, he has also litigated matters in other states throughout the country.
Mr. Silverman has been practicing law in Arizona since 1981. In 2005, he changed the focus of his civil litigation practice to estate planning, trust and estate administration, and probate law. In 2015, Mr. Silverman became board-certified in estate and trust law by the State Bar of Arizona with the accreditation of “Certified Specialist in Estate and Trust Law.”
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This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.
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Date + Time
- event
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
- schedule
1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT
I. Amending an irrevocable trust
II. Uniform Trust Code provisions
A. Determination of "interested person"
B. Prohibition against modifying "material provision" of trust
C. Terms that binding NJSAs may modify
III. Other NJSA statutory provisions and variances from UTC model
IV. Using an NJSA to relocate a trust situs
V. Obtaining court approval of NJSAs
VI. Structuring NJSA "wrapper" provisions
VII. Determining whether an NJSA is permissible
The panel will review these and other high priority issues:
- Which trust provisions may NJSAs amend in states that have adopted the Uniform Trust Code?
- What other states have statutes or trust code provisions allowing for NJSAs, and how do they differ from the UTC provisions?
- How to structure an NJSA "wrapper"
- What are the tax consequences of making trust changes through an NJSA?
- What are the considerations for determining when it is desirable or necessary to have a court ratify the terms of an NJSA?
- What other methods should counsel be aware of to modify irrevocable trusts?
