Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Re: Annual accounting of trust assets

You are required to carry out the terms of the trust and each beneficiary is entitled to an accounting that discloses whether you are or not. If the distributions are unequal, it is the doing of the Trustor, unless the Trustee is given discretion to sprinkle benefits among a class of beneficiaries as the Trustee sees fit. It it is the latter, I would then disclose the total distributions, and quote the trust provision that leaves it to your discretion to determine who will receive distributions, how much and when. Under the trust document you probably have the right to get an attorney's help at the expense of the trust estate. You should do so and consult the attorney regarding these matters. It is your best protection both legally and in terms of the personal relationships involved. It should be a relatively minor expense and will save money in the long term as it is the best way to avoid lawsuits.

Re: Annual accounting of trust assets

this depends upon the language of the trust. you should retain an attorney to advise you with regard to this and other duties you have as a fiduciary under california law.