A custodian must control, manage, separate, and keep records of custodial property, and may retain property or make certain life-insurance investments in limited circumstances.
Sec. 141.013. CARE OF CUSTODIAL PROPERTY. (a) A custodian shall: (1) take control of custodial property; (2) register or record title to custodial property if appropriate; and (3) collect, hold, manage, sell, convey, invest, and reinvest custodial property. (b) In dealing with custodial property, a custodian shall observe the standard of care that would be observed by a prudent person dealing with property of another and is not limited by any other statute restricting investments by fiduciaries. If a custodian has a special skill or expertise, the custodian shall use that skill or expertise. However, a custodian, in the custodian's discretion and without liability to the minor or the minor's estate, may retain any custodial property received from a transferor. (c) A custodian may invest in or pay premiums on life insurance or endowment policies on the life of: (1) the minor only if the minor or the minor's estate is the sole beneficiary; or (2) another person in whom the minor has an insurable interest only to the extent that the minor, the minor's estate, or the custodian in the capacity of the custodian is the irrevocable beneficiary. (d) A custodian at all times shall keep custodial property separate and distinct from all other property in a manner sufficient to identify it clearly as custodial property of the minor. Custodial property consisting of an undivided interest is so identified if the minor's interest is held as a tenant in common and is fixed. Custodial property subject to recordation is so identified if it is recorded, and custodial property subject to registration is so identified if it is registered, or held in an account designated, in the name of the custodian followed in substance by the words: "as custodian for ____________________ (name of minor) under the Texas Uniform Transfers to Minors Act." (e) A custodian shall keep records of all transactions with respect to custodial property, including information necessary for the preparation of the minor's tax returns, and shall make the records available for inspection at reasonable intervals by a parent or legal representative of the minor or by the minor if the minor is at least 14 years of age. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 1043, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Renumbered from Property Code Sec. 13 by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 31.01(72), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.