Legal Definitions - RFI

RFI stands for Request for Instructions.

A Request for Instructions is a formal application made to a court or other legal authority by an individual or entity involved in a legal matter, seeking clarification or direction on how to proceed with a specific aspect of their duties or responsibilities. This request is typically made when there is ambiguity in a legal document, a lack of clear guidance on a particular issue, or a need for judicial approval to take a certain action, especially when the individual or entity has a fiduciary duty to others.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of a Request for Instructions:

• Example 1: Estate Executor Facing Ambiguity

  An executor of a will is responsible for distributing the deceased's assets according to the will's terms. Suppose the will states that "all valuable artworks" should be given to a specific beneficiary, but it doesn't define what constitutes "valuable artwork," and the estate includes both high-value paintings and antique decorative plates. To avoid potential disputes among beneficiaries or personal liability for misinterpreting the will, the executor might file an RFI with the probate court. This request would ask the court for a clear directive on how to interpret "valuable artworks" in the context of this specific will, ensuring the distribution is legally sound and aligns with the court's interpretation.

• Example 2: Trustee Managing a Complex Trust

  A trustee manages a trust established for the benefit of several beneficiaries, including minors. The trust document grants the trustee broad investment powers but doesn't explicitly address investing in highly volatile emerging markets. A new investment opportunity arises in such a market that promises high returns but also carries significant risk. Before committing trust funds, the trustee, mindful of their fiduciary duty to protect the trust assets and act in the beneficiaries' best interest, might file an RFI with the court. They would seek the court's guidance and approval on whether such an investment falls within the scope of their authorized powers and is prudent under the circumstances, thereby protecting themselves from potential claims of breach of duty.

• Example 3: Guardian Needing Direction on Property Sale

  A court-appointed guardian is responsible for managing the affairs of an incapacitated adult. The incapacitated adult owns a piece of real estate that has become a financial burden due to high maintenance costs and property taxes. The guardian believes selling the property would be in the ward's best financial interest, but the guardianship order does not explicitly grant the guardian the authority to sell real estate. To ensure they act within their legal authority and protect the ward's assets, the guardian would file an RFI with the court. This request would ask the court for specific instructions and permission to sell the property, outlining the reasons why it is necessary and beneficial for the ward.