Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

In 1832, a group of neighbors bought some land to be used by residents of our neighborhood for a school and a place of religious worship if ever needed. The land and buildings were to be held in trust for 999 years and directed by a board of trustees that were publicly elected by the neighbors...

My Township Supervisors have appointed Trustees to serve in this capacity and now claim to govern the historic school house/chapel. Do they have the legal right to do so? I was under the impression that the trustees would have to be appointed by a county court. These trustees are disallowing neighbors use of the school/chapel as it was originally intended.


Asked on 11/09/10, 7:42 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

This sounds like a complicated enough situation that the neighbors should bank together and engage a lawyer to help them. It would be helpful if there was a trust agreement that provided for the use, how trustees and successor would be appointed, and what would happen if the beneficiaries no longer wanted to or could not maintain and keep the property. The trust document may give the Township Supervisors some authority to take on this authority.

Even with a trust agreement, there are situations when a court has to be involved.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 11/14/10, 11:30 am


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