339 So. 2d 306 | Fla. Dist. Ct. App. | 1976
Defendant, Millie Featherston, appeals an order authorizing the partition and sale of real property thereby terminating a testamentary trust of which she is trustee.
Plaintiff, H. W. Tompkins, married defendant’s sister, Betty Featherston Tompkins, and during their marriage, they acquired a marital residence which is the subject of this litigation. Betty and H. W.
Mary’s testamentary trust clearly provides that no distribution is to be made until the three children have attained the age of 21 years. Thus, the termination of the trust is plainly specified. Cf. Johns v. Townsend, 160 Fla. 213, 34 So.2d 565 (1948). It is conceded by the parties that the youngest child is not only under guardianship, but has not yet attained the age of 21 years. Thus, we conclude that the chancellor erred in the entry of his order prematurely terminating the trust by authorizing the sale and distribution of the net proceeds. Further, a court cannot terminate a trust when all the beneficiaries are not parties to a termination action, and without a determination that the purpose for which the trust was established has been accomplished. See Smith v. Mass. Mutual Life Ins. Co., 116 Fla. 390, 156 So. 498 (1934); Florida National Bank and Trust Company v. Blake, 155 So.2d 798 (Fla. 3d DCA 1963).
Reversed.
. Including the 'A interest as tenant in common in the marital residence.
. I. e., 18 years in Florida.