Constructive Trust

The imposition of a constructive trust requires: (1) the existence of res (property or some interest in property); (2) the right of the complaining party to that res; and (3) some wrongful acquisition or detention of the res by another party who is not entitled to it. See Burlesci v.

A constructive trust is founded upon a common intention that can either be expressed or inferred but cannot be based upon an intention that the parties never in fact had. Estoppels may be claimed where there has been either a representation or acquiescence that an interest in property is to arise.

A constructive trust is an extraordinary remedy, not a cause of action. Instead, a constructive trust is imposed based upon an established cause of action. One such cause of action is breach of fiduciary duty, often seen in probate and trust litigation.

In modern times, four elements must be met before a constructive trust will be imposed: (1) a confidential or fiduciary relationship which must normally be shown; (2) a promise by defendant; and (3) transfer by plaintiff to defendant in reliance on defendant's promise (4) under circumstances that constitute unjust

Enforcement of a Constructive Trust The establishment of a constructive trust is typically imposed by a court of law. The court may choose to enforce this equitable remedy if the defendant would receive an unfair advantage if the trust is not imposed, or if the defendant has interfered with an existing trust.

A holds funds that he knows have been paid to him by mistake. A holds an asset that he has obtained by means of fraud. A and another person (B) share a common intention that B should have a beneficial interest in an asset, and B has acted to his detriment on the basis of that intention.