Re:

max is worried that if he gives you money that the children will sue him. I am suggesting that the children sign a document that says they agree with the distribution and will hold MAX harmless for making it.

If I write him, I'm sure he'll say that he is reticent for the reasons he and Deborah have both outlined: his responsibilities as a trustee under the law.

And I'm sure he'll say that he is acting on his own, as trustee, without consultation with the children.