Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Without reading the actual trust document, there is no way to give you a real answer. Some trusts allow for the surviving spouse to have a limited right to modify and some could provide a broader right. If the trust is fully revocable, then you may not have the right to see the trust if you are only contingent remainder beneficiaries. Sorry I can't be more specific.

In my experience in preparing trusts and also being a trustee I find that upon the first death there is usually a trust that becomes irrevocable. As a result, the probate code requires notice to the beneficiaries and heirs at law. That notice will either include a copy of the trust and will or will give you the right to request a copy. If the notice is not done, the trustee has not complied with the law.

In connection with what the surviving spouse can do or whether you are a future beneficiary, it depends on the terms of the trust. In order to give any advice, I would need to read it.

You should probably retain an attorney to send a letter to the trustee and get some facts or details. If that does not work, perhaps a lawsuit must be filed.