---
title: "Summarise the trust's distribution powers before a distribution is made"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/trusts-and-estate-planning/summarise-trust-deed-powers-before-advising-on-a-distribution/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A19-B6-5-US"
practice_area: "Trusts & Estate Planning"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Summarise the trust's distribution powers before a distribution is made

> Extract the distribution clauses, who may decide, and any condition the deed states. Do not decide that a distribution is authorised.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/trusts-and-estate-planning/summarise-trust-deed-powers-before-advising-on-a-distribution/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Trusts & Estate Planning](https://ailawframework.com/practice/trusts-and-estate-planning.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | Extract the distribution clauses, who may decide, and any condition the deed states. Do not decide that a distribution is authorised. |
| What the lawyer must review | Where the state has enacted it, Uniform Trust Code § 801 requires the trustee, after acceptance, to administer the trust in good faith, in accordance with its terms and purposes and the interests of the beneficiaries, and in accordance with the Code. The terms control when they speak. Section 802 requires loyalty to the beneficiaries, and a conflict transaction is voidable unless an exception in § 802(b) is met. Do not list specific powers from § 816. That list was not used. Opinion 512: you verify the extract against the deed before you advise. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Summarise trust deed powers before advising on a distribution](https://ailawframework.com/practice/trusts-and-estate-planning/summarise-trust-deed-powers-before-advising-on-a-distribution.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: Extract the distribution clauses, who may decide, and any condition the deed states. Do not decide that a distribution is authorised.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- The deed controls. The Code fills gaps only if the state enacted it.
- An extract of a power is not advice that this distribution is permitted.

## Sources

- [Uniform Trust Code (Uniform Law Commission, last revised 2003)](https://www.uniformlaws.org/HigherLogic/System/DownloadDocumentFile.ashx?DocumentFileKey=6bae0bb2-00ea-8080-d084-5be9ef7bbc66&forceDialog=0) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [ABA Formal Opinion 512, Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools (29 July 2024)](https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/professional_responsibility/ethics-opinions/aba-formal-opinion-512.pdf) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [ABA Model Rule 1.1, Competence](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_1_competence/) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*