A 101 tip on changing (everyday)** trustees

A regular theme in previous posts is how critical it is to ensure that the provisions of a trust instrument are followed precisely when taking steps in relation to the trust.

The SMSF related case of Moss Super Pty Ltd vs. Hayne [2008] VSC 158 is one example of this principle, in the context of a change of trusteeship.

In summary:

1. As is becoming increasingly common, there were issues around the rightful controller of the SMSF following the death of one of the members;
2. The surviving member purported to change the trusteeship of the SMSF, so that a company of which she was the sole shareholder and director would be appointed;
3. The trust deed set out the process by which a change of trusteeship could take place and specifically required the ‘founder’ to appoint any new trustee;
4. While the sole director of the new trustee company was also the founder, she did not in fact sign the change of trustee documentation in the capacity as founder;
5. In other words, while she signed as the sole director of the new trustee, there was no provision where she also signed under the founder role; and
6. Critically, the court found that, as was the case here, legal structures are created where individuals had multiple roles to play, the requirements around those roles must be respected and complied with.

In many respects, the decision reflects a number of analogous situations in the context of family trusts including the case of re Cavill that has been featured previously.

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** for the trainspotters, the title today is riffed from the Culture Club song ‘Changing every day’.

Listen hear (sic):