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Your Answer:
First, look at the trust. Most trusts contain terms that allow removal of a trustee under certain circumstances. In addition, those same terms generally provide for replacement of the removed trustee.
Second, if the trust terms do not provide for removal of the trustee, you must look to state law. Under current law in Virginia, a trustee may be removed under statute, as follows:
A. The settlor, a cotrustee, or a beneficiary …, may petition the court to remove a trustee, or a trustee may be removed by the court on its own initiative.
B. The court may remove a trustee if:
1. The trustee has committed a serious breach of trust;
2. Lack of cooperation among cotrustees substantially impairs the administration of the trust;
3. Because of unfitness, unwillingness, or persistent failure of the trustee to administer the trust effectively, the court determines that removal of the trustee best serves the interests of the beneficiaries; or
4. There has been a substantial change of circumstances or removal is requested by all of the qualified beneficiaries, the court finds that removal of the trustee best serves the interests of all of the beneficiaries and is not inconsistent with a material purpose of the trust, and a suitable cotrustee or successor trustee is available.

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