SBS Financial Services, Inc. v. Plouf Family Trust

WILBUR, Justice.

[¶ 1.] In this case, we interpret a trust instrument to decide whether the death of Betty Plouf triggered the offset provision of the Plouf Family Trust (Trust), and thus, instantaneously satisfied the mortgage lien the Trust held on the home of a beneficiary. We hold that it did and affirm the decision of the trial court.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

[¶ 2.] Although this case turns on the interpretation of a trust instrument, it has its origins in a first and second mortgage on the home of Larry and Marianne En-glund. In 1993, the Englunds, in exchange for a $52,000 loan,…