Can You Change An Irrevocable Trust?

By Sid Werner

The term “irrevocable” sounds pretty permanent, so many people assume once they’ve finalized an irrevocable trust there is no turning back. If you’re having second thoughts about your irrevocable trust, know that under the right circumstances changes are possible.

How Can You Change an Irrevocable Trust?

Whether you established an irrevocable trust from the outset or established a revocable living trust that becomes irrevocable upon your death, modification is possible through court intervention. As long as modification of the trust is consistent with your purpose in creating the trust, the trustee or a qualified beneficiary of the trust may petition the court for judicial modification of the trust.

What Changes Can the Court Order?

The court has authority to:

• Change the terms of the trust;
• Terminate the trust in whole or in part;
• Permit the trustee to do acts that are not authorized or are prohibited under the trust instrument; or
• Prohibit the trustee from doing acts that are permitted by the trust.

Given the court’s broad power, any modifications consistent with the trust’s purpose are a possibility and that process begins with the petition of a trustee or a qualified beneficiary.

Should you have any questions related to wills, trusts and estates, please call Englander Fischer at (727) 898-7210 to see how one of our attorneys can assist you.

Chamber Members Form Joint Venture

(Pictured L to R) Donna S. Huneycutt WWC Executive Vice President, Lauren Weiner WWC President & Greg Celestan CEO of Celestar Corporation sign the SBA Mentor/Protege Agreement.

Celestar Corporation and Wittenberg Weiner Consulting are teaming up to form a joint venture that both companies hope will yield more business. The partnership came about thanks to their involvement with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

“The Chamber has opened up doors,” said Lauren Weiner, president of Wittenberg Weiner Consulting. “We’re remarkably plugged in to the business and government contracting community largely because of the Chamber.”

Weiner and Greg Celestan, head of Celestar Corporation, first met at a Chamber networking event. They also served together on the Chamber’s Military Council. Now, they’ve signed a Mentor/Protégé Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration that will benefit both companies.

“As the mentor, we are going to pass on some of our knowledge and experience,” said Celestan, whose company graduated from the SBA’s 8a Program. “This agreement will allow us to compete for business together.”

The Mentor/Protégé Agreement will last for a year with an opportunity to extend. Both CEOs credit the Chamber for their meeting.

“The networking function at the Chamber is key. The membership is diverse,” said Celestan.

Weiner said the opportunities provided through the Chamber were an important part in the next level of growth for WWC. Her advice to members: “Talk to everyone. You never know what contact is going to spark something.”

Member Spotlight: Hampton Inn Westshore & Hyatt Place Westshore

Sister Properties Working as One

The Hampton Inn Tampa Westshore and the Hyatt Place Tampa Westshore, both managed by Pillar Hotels and Resorts are hotels working together to bring an unforgettable experience for their guests. Located in the thriving Westshore District, the Hampton Inn offers 133 renovated rooms and the Hyatt Place offers 124 contemporary, spacious suites.
 
The newly renovated Hampton Inn Tampa Westshore offers all of the conveniences of the Hampton brand including  complimentary On The House hot breakfast each morning, Cloud Nine bedding experience, and the new Perfect Mix Lobby. The Hampton Inn also offers complimentary 24 hour shuttle within 3 miles of the hotel which includes Tampa International Airport, outdoor swimming pool, 24 hour fitness center and complimentary wireless internet throughout the hotel. For a comfortable guest room at a superior value, please visit www.hamptoninntampaairport.com to make your reservation today.
 
The Hyatt Place Tampa Westshore is a new kind of Hyatt designed for you. Each spacious suite includes 42” flat panel HDTV with the Hyatt Plug Panel for connecting your laptop or personal media devices, Hyatt Grand Bed, Cozy Corner Sectional sofa-sleeper and complimentary wireless internet. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning , 24/7 dining options, and wine or beer in the Galley. The Hyatt  Place Westshore also offers flexible meeting space for your company or social event with unique food and beverage options. Visit the Hyatt Place at www.tampaairport.place.hyatt.com  to find out more details about this unique and exciting hotel.
 
Both hotels are located conveniently in the Westshore Business District only minutes from two shopping plazas, numerous dining options, the Tampa International Airport, and Raymond James Stadium. An easy drive will also take you to the Port of Tampa, Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico Beaches. For any of your hotel needs, please contact the sales staff for more information.

Member Spotlight: United States Postal Service

The United States Postal Service delivers more than just mail. We offer training opportunities and assistance to anyone who wants to learn more about using the mail for cost-effective business growth. Whether you’re a small or large business owner looking for training in direct mail, a mail professional looking for workshops and certification, or you’d like to join the greater community of business mailers, we’re here to help.

Postal Customer Council^® (PCC)
Your local PCC is a great way to get training, stay on top of mail innovations, and work hand-in-hand with local Post Offices™ to develop more effective, efficient, and profitable mailings. Visit www.tampapcc.org for more information.

Simplified Mailing
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) from the U.S. Postal Service makes Direct Mail easier and less costly for local businesses. With EDDM, you can target specific areas in your local market without the need of a mailing list. And since you don’t have to buy customer addresses or pay to have names and addresses printed on your mailpieces, EDDM can save you time and money! For information contact Patricia Meredith or visit www.uspseverydoor.com

Self Service Ship and Mail Centers are available in Tampa at the following locations:
Carrollwood Branch
Ehrlich Branch
Forest Hills Station
Main Office Window Unit
New Tampa Station
Peninsula Station
Temple Terrace Branch
Town N Country Branch

Our various community-minded programs help foster community spirit, while educating and supporting worthwhile causes. The United States Postal Service helps America connect in more ways than just the mail. Whether it’s finding missing children, fundraising stamps, or bone marrow donor programs, USPS gets involved – in your community and nationwide. Keep informed about USPS activities such as our Stamp Out Hunger food drive and how our employees act as local heroes. We deliver more than mail to you – we deliver community service.