Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

charges against trust

My sister and I are co-trustees of our mothers estate. At present it is all in cash in the Trust bank account.

My sister is submtting charges to the trust for ''services'' she rendered to Mother for the past 10 years. Sister did not live with mother, but came to Mom's home some week ends.

The last 10 months of Mom's life she was in a rest home.

The trust attorney is very vague in explaining what can be charged.

What can be charged against the estate? Once the charges have been submitted, what kind of professional should I have review them? Mom died 6 months ago. sister has been procrastinating getting the charges submitted. Is there a time limit?

I am co trustee, what say so do I have in ordering the distribution of the funds?


Asked on 5/09/09, 9:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Linden Scott H. Linden, Esq.

Re: charges against trust

As long as the will provides for compensation, reasonable expenses can be charged for a Trustee's services, but the services and charges must be reasonable.

As a co-trustee, you have a right to an accounting as well as rights to be an equal part of the distribution of the assets.

If you believe that your sister is acting improperly, then I suggest you have the Probate Court have her removed as a trustee.

If you would like to discuss this matter further in a more private forum, please feel free to contact me directly at the email address provided by LawGuru or through our firm�s website located at PasadenaEstatePlanning.com

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Answered on 5/11/09, 2:37 pm


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