Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Maybe. Sorry for such an indecisive answer, but it would take a far more careful review of the entire trust documents to make sure that they can be harmonized. Just in the snippet you have quoted there is a seeming inconsistency. On the one hand, payment of education is discretionary. On the other, education is important. But what I don't know is whether those provisions apply prior to your grandfather's death? Usually there are provisions that state that the Settlor gets all of the income during the settlor's lifetime. That appears to be what the trustee is saying. And that is why an attorney would need to review the entire trust to give you a complete answer or opinion.

Without reading the trust I cannot give you a specific answer to your question. However, you quote wording from your grandfather's trust that states, "The Trustee shall have discretion to pay..." If this is the exact wording and there are no other terms in the trust stating otherwise, it is up to the trustee to decide if he wants to pay for your education. Your grandfather's trust appears to give the trustee that power by granting the trustee discretion to pay or not to pay. If you have a copy of the trust and want further advice you should consult with an estate planning attorney to find out what you are entitled to.

Indeed, as Mr. Weinstein states, your Dad apparently had the discretion and chose not to exercise it OR you are misinterpreting the Trust. Take it to the nearest estate planning attorney to see what you should do.

without knowing more I would say no, you do not get reimbursed, but your dad seems to be saying that if you wanted to get a higher degree after grandpa's death he might (MIGHT) pay for it.