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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>71830</law_id><section_number>64.2-778</section_number><catch_line>Specific powers of trustee</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="64.2">Wills, Trusts, and Fiduciaries</unit><unit label="subtitle" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="III">Trusts</unit><unit label="chapter" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="7">Uniform Trust Code</unit><unit label="article" level="4" order_by="1" identifier="8">Duties and Powers of Trustee</unit></structure><text>
						<section id="A"><p><span class="prefix-number">A.</span> Without limiting the authority conferred by &#xA7;&#xA0;<a class="law" title="General powers of trustee" href="/64.2-777/">64.2-777</a>, a <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> may: <a id="paragraph-258780" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> Collect trust <span class="dictionary">property</span> and accept or reject additions to the trust <span class="dictionary">property</span> from a settlor or any other <span class="dictionary">person</span>; <a id="paragraph-258781" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> Acquire or sell <span class="dictionary">property</span>, for cash or on credit, at public or private sale; <a id="paragraph-258782" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> Exchange, <span class="dictionary">partition</span>, or otherwise change the character of trust <span class="dictionary">property</span>; <a id="paragraph-258783" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A4" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> Deposit trust money in an account in a regulated financial service institution; <a id="paragraph-258784" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A5" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> Borrow money, with or without security, and mortgage or pledge trust <span class="dictionary">property</span> for a period within or extending beyond the duration of the trust; <a id="paragraph-258785" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A6" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> With respect to an interest in a proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, or other form of business or enterprise, continue the business or other enterprise and take any action that may be taken by shareholders, members, or <span class="dictionary">property</span> owners, including merging, dissolving, or otherwise changing the form of business organization or contributing additional capital; <a id="paragraph-258786" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A7" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">7.</span> With respect to stocks or other securities, exercise the rights of an absolute owner, including the right to:
				a. Vote, or give proxies to vote, with or without power of substitution, or enter into or continue a voting trust agreement;
				b. Hold a security in the name of a nominee or in other form without disclosure of the trust so that title may pass by delivery;
				c. Pay calls, assessments, and other sums chargeable or accruing against the securities, and sell or exercise stock subscription or conversion rights;
				d. Deposit the securities with a depository or other regulated financial service institution; and
				e. Consent directly or through a committee or other agent to the merger, <span class="dictionary">consolidation</span>, reorganization, readjustment of capital or financial structure, lease, sale, dissolution, or <span class="dictionary">liquidation</span> of a business enterprise and elect whether to participate as a member of a class in any <span class="dictionary">litigation</span> involving securities; <a id="paragraph-258787" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A7"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A8" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">8.</span> With respect to an interest in real <span class="dictionary">property</span>, construct, or make ordinary or extraordinary repairs to, alterations to, or improvements in, buildings or other structures, demolish improvements, raze existing or erect new <span class="dictionary">party</span> walls or buildings, subdivide or develop land, dedicate land to public use or grant public or private easements, make or vacate plats and adjust boundaries, and make <span class="dictionary">contracts</span>, licenses, leases, conveyances, or grants of every nature and kind with respect to crops, gravel, sand, oil, gas, timber and forest products, other usufruct rights, or natural resources, and other benefits or incidents of the real <span class="dictionary">property</span>; <a id="paragraph-258788" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A8"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A9" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">9.</span> Enter into a lease for any purpose as lessor or lessee, including a lease or other arrangement for exploration and removal of natural resources, with or without the option to purchase or renew, for a period within or extending beyond the duration of the trust; <a id="paragraph-258789" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A9"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A10" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">10.</span> Grant an option involving a sale, lease, or other <span class="dictionary">disposition</span> of trust <span class="dictionary">property</span> or acquire an option for the acquisition of <span class="dictionary">property</span>, including an option exercisable beyond the duration of the trust, and exercise an option so acquired; <a id="paragraph-258790" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A10"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A11" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">11.</span> Insure the <span class="dictionary">property</span> of the trust against damage or loss and insure the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span>, the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span>&#x2019;s agents, and beneficiaries against liability arising from the administration of the trust; <a id="paragraph-258791" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A11"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A12" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">12.</span> Abandon or decline to administer <span class="dictionary">property</span> of no <span class="dictionary">value</span> or of insufficient <span class="dictionary">value</span> to justify its collection or continued administration; <a id="paragraph-258792" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A12"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A13" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">13.</span> With respect to possible liability for violation of <span class="dictionary">environmental law</span>:
				a. Inspect or investigate <span class="dictionary">property</span> the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> holds or has been asked to hold, or <span class="dictionary">property</span> owned or operated by an organization in which the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> holds or has been asked to hold an interest, for the purpose of determining the application of <span class="dictionary">environmental law</span> with respect to the <span class="dictionary">property</span>;
				b. Take action to prevent, abate, or otherwise remedy any actual or potential violation of any <span class="dictionary">environmental law</span> affecting <span class="dictionary">property</span> held directly or indirectly by the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span>, whether taken before or after the assertion of a claim or the initiation of governmental enforcement;
				c. Decline to accept <span class="dictionary">property</span> into trust or disclaim any power with respect to <span class="dictionary">property</span> that is or may be burdened with liability for violation of <span class="dictionary">environmental law</span>;
				d. Compromise claims against the trust that may be asserted for an alleged violation of <span class="dictionary">environmental law</span>; and
				e. Pay the expense of any inspection, review, abatement, or remedial action to comply with <span class="dictionary">environmental law</span>; <a id="paragraph-258793" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A13"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A14" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">14.</span> Pay or contest any claim, settle a claim by or against the trust, and release, in whole or in part, a claim belonging to the trust; <a id="paragraph-258794" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A14"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A15" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">15.</span> Pay taxes, assessments, compensation of the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> and of employees and agents of the trust, and other expenses incurred in the administration of the trust; <a id="paragraph-258795" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A15"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A16" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">16.</span> Exercise elections with respect to federal, <span class="dictionary">state</span>, and local taxes, including considering discretionary distributions to a <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span> as being made from capital gains realized during the year; <a id="paragraph-258796" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A16"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A17" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">17.</span> Select a mode of payment under any employee benefit or retirement plan, annuity, or life insurance payable to the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span>, exercise rights thereunder, including exercise of the right to indemnification for expenses and against liabilities, and take appropriate action to collect the proceeds; <a id="paragraph-258797" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A17"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A18" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">18.</span> Make loans out of trust <span class="dictionary">property</span>, including loans to a <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span> on terms and conditions the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> considers to be fair and reasonable under the circumstances, and the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> has a <span class="dictionary">lien</span> on future distributions for repayment of those loans; <a id="paragraph-258798" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A18"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A19" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">19.</span> Pledge trust <span class="dictionary">property</span> to guarantee loans made:
				a. By others to the <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span>; or
				b. To any proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, venture, agricultural operation, or other form of business or enterprise in which the trust or any <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span> has a direct or an indirect ownership interest; <a id="paragraph-258799" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A19"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A20" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">20.</span> Guarantee loans made to any:
				a. <span class="dictionary">Beneficiary</span>; or
				b. Proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, venture, agricultural operation, or other form of business or enterprise in which the trust or any <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span> has a direct or an indirect ownership interest; <a id="paragraph-258800" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A20"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A21" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">21.</span> Appoint a <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> to act in another <span class="dictionary">jurisdiction</span> with respect to trust <span class="dictionary">property</span> located in the other <span class="dictionary">jurisdiction</span>, confer upon the appointed <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> all of the powers and duties of the appointing <span class="dictionary">trustee</span>, require that the appointed <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> furnish security, and remove any <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> so appointed; <a id="paragraph-258801" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A21"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A22" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">22.</span> Pay an amount distributable to a <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span> who is under a legal disability or who the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> reasonably believes is incapacitated, by paying it directly to the <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span> or applying it for the <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span>&#x2019;s benefit, or by:
				a. Paying it to the <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span>&#x2019;s <span class="dictionary">conservator</span> or, if the <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span> does not have a <span class="dictionary">conservator</span>, the <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span>&#x2019;s <span class="dictionary">guardian</span>;
				b. Paying it to the <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span>&#x2019;s custodian under the Uniform Transfers to <span class="dictionary">Minors</span> Act (&#xA7; <a class="law" title="Definitions" href="/64.2-1900/">64.2-1900</a> et seq.) or custodial <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> under the Uniform Custodial Trust Act (&#xA7; <a class="law" title="Definitions" href="/64.2-900/">64.2-900</a> et seq.), and, for that purpose, creating a custodianship or custodial trust;
				c. If the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> does not know of a <span class="dictionary">conservator</span>, <span class="dictionary">guardian</span>, custodian, or custodial <span class="dictionary">trustee</span>, paying it to an adult relative or other <span class="dictionary">person</span> having legal or physical care or <span class="dictionary">custody</span> of the <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span>, to be expended on the <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span>&#x2019;s behalf; or
				d. Managing it as a separate fund on the <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span>&#x2019;s behalf, subject to the <span class="dictionary">beneficiary</span>&#x2019;s continuing right to withdraw the distribution; <a id="paragraph-258802" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A22"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A23" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">23.</span> On distribution of trust <span class="dictionary">property</span> or the division or termination of a trust, make distributions in divided or undivided interests, allocate particular <span class="dictionary">assets</span> in proportionate or disproportionate shares, <span class="dictionary">value</span> the trust <span class="dictionary">property</span> for those purposes, and adjust for resulting differences in valuation, and may distribute trust <span class="dictionary">property</span> in kind or in cash, or partially in kind and partially in cash, in divided or undivided interests; <a id="paragraph-258803" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A23"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A24" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">24.</span> Resolve a dispute concerning the interpretation of the trust or its administration by mediation, arbitration, or other procedure for <span class="dictionary">alternative dispute resolution</span>; <a id="paragraph-258804" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A24"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A25" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">25.</span> <span class="dictionary">Prosecute</span> or defend an action, claim, or judicial proceeding in any <span class="dictionary">jurisdiction</span> to protect trust <span class="dictionary">property</span> and the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> in the performance of the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span>&#x2019;s duties; <a id="paragraph-258805" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A25"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A26" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">26.</span> Sign and deliver <span class="dictionary">contracts</span> and other instruments that are useful to achieve or facilitate the exercise of the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span>&#x2019;s powers; <a id="paragraph-258806" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A26"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A27" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">27.</span> On termination of the trust, exercise all of the powers otherwise exercisable by the <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> during the administration of the trust, including, without limitation, investment powers, the power to sell <span class="dictionary">assets</span>, the powers pursuant to subdivision 23, and any additional powers appropriate to wind up the administration of the trust and distribute the trust <span class="dictionary">property</span> to the <span class="dictionary">persons</span> entitled to it; and <a id="paragraph-258807" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A27"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A28" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">28.</span> Form a corporation or other entity and transfer, assign, and convey to such corporation or entity all or part of the trust <span class="dictionary">property</span> in exchange for stock, securities, or obligations of such corporation or entity, and continue to hold such stock and securities and obligations. <a id="paragraph-258808" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#A28"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B"><p><span class="prefix-number">B.</span> Any reference in a <span class="dictionary">trust instrument</span> incorporating the powers authorized under &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Incorporation by reference of certain powers of fiduciaries into will or trust instrument" href="/64.2-105/">64.2-105</a> shall not be construed to limit powers a <span class="dictionary">trustee</span> may exercise pursuant to this section, unless the settlor expressly <span class="dictionary">states</span> in the <span class="dictionary">trust instrument</span> that such reference should be so construed. <a id="paragraph-258809" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/64.2-778/#B"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>2005, c. 935, &#xA7; 55-548.16; 2012, c. 614; 2025, c. 165.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
