🔥🔥🔥Why would someone say this , Cause you can't represent a trust...
1. In court, you can only represent yourself pro se In the U.S., the general rule is: - A natural person can speak for themselves in court (pro se). - Separate legal entities (corporations, LLCs, and often trusts) must be represented by a licensed attorney in most courts. A trust is treated as a separate “person”/entity for procedure. So: - You (Norwood) can represent Norwood. - But you, as a non-lawyer, usually cannot show up in court and “represent” The XYZ Trust as if you’re its lawyer. If you try to file pleadings, argue motions, or appear in court on behalf of the trust, many judges will say you’re engaging in unauthorized practice of law. That’s the core behind: “You can’t represent a trust.” They’re talking about courtroom/legal representation, not everyday administration. 2. Trustee vs. attorney: different hats Even if you’re the trustee, that doesn’t automatically give you the right to be the trust’s lawyer. - Trustee = manages the trust, signs contracts, opens bank accounts, executes documents. - Lawyer = licensed to practice law, draft pleadings, represent entities in court. Most jurisdictions treat a trustee who goes into court “for the trust” as representing the interests of others (beneficiaries). That’s legal representation, which requires a law license. So a clerk, judge, or opposing attorney might say: - “You can’t represent a trust, you’re not an attorney.” - Translation: You, as a non-lawyer, cannot appear in this court as counsel for that entity. 3. You can still act for the trust outside of court Don’t confuse “represent in court” with “act on behalf of the trust” in life. You can, if properly appointed: - Sign contracts as “Trustee of [Trust Name]”. - Open bank/brokerage accounts. - Execute deeds, notes, bills of exchange, etc. - Send letters, notices, affidavits in your fiduciary capacity. - Administer assets and make decisions under the trust instrument. That’s not “practicing law” — that’s performing your fiduciary duties.