Can an irrevocable trust be modified by an agreement among the trustees and the beneficiaries?

• A. ONLY WITH COURT ORDER
• B. YES
• C. ONLY WITH SETTLOR CONSENT
• D. NO

Answer: (D)

Irrevocable trusts are fixed arrangements once created; the settlor’s relinquishment of control means the terms aren’t changeable by a simple agreement among those managing or benefiting from the trust. To alter or terminate an irrevocable trust, you generally need court involvement to ensure any modification aligns with the trust’s stated purpose and protects the beneficiaries. The modification process is a matter of judicial oversight, not just an agreement among trustees and beneficiaries. (Some states have specific statutory paths or provisions within the trust instrument that allow amendments with all interested parties’ consent and court approval, but the default approach is to seek a court order rather than rely on an informal agreement.)