Burns v. Miller, Hiersche, Martens & Hayward, P.C.
948 S.W.2d317 (Tex. App—Dallas 1997 writ denied)
(TRIAL COURT DECISION WAS OVERTURNED BECAUSE OF SPENDTHRIFT PROVISIONS) The Trial Court ordered beneficiary to turn over property to a receiver for use in paying a creditor of the beneficiary. The Trial Court INCORRECTLY included all disbursements from spendthrift trusts within the scope of the turnover order.
However, the Appellate Court reversed holding that beneficiary’s interest in Spendthrift trust assets are exempt property under the turnover statute (Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 31.002). The creditor pointed out that once the trustee pays or delivers the trust assets to the beneficiary, they are no longer exempt. Trust Code § 112.035 (a). However, the turnover statute provides that a court may not enter or enforce an order that requires the turnover of the proceeds of, or the disbursement of, property exempt under any statute. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 31.002(f). Thus, even when property is no longer exempt under any other statute, if it represents proceeds or disbursements of exempt property, it is not subject to a turnover order. Burns at 323.