Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

What are my rights regarding an irrevocable trust?

My father remarried after my mother's death. He passed away in 1995. My stepmother has told me and my siblings that there is a family trust that my father set up for his children which is irrevocable and will pass to us when she dies. She stated that she cannot touch the trust and unless she becomes destitute or requires the proceeds from the trust for medical reasons. She has thus far refused to let us know anything further (other than it is a sizeable amount). We love and respect her and don't want to upset her but would like to know more about the trust. I might add that she is quite wealthy in her own right due to a second trust that dad set up for her. What rights do we have and how should we exercise them? Thanking you in advance.


Asked on 6/11/99, 1:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Leslie Beckhart Law Offices of Leslie Kent Beckhart

Re: Rights regarding an irrevocable trust.

You are a contingent beneficiary of the trust. According to California Probate Code Sections 16060 through 16061.5, you have a right to receive a copy of the trust and information about the assets, liabilities, etc. that are relevant to your interest. If you write the trustee and request this information, he or she must comply. (This statement does not constitute my representation of you, nor is it an attorney-client communication.)

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Answered on 6/28/99, 1:59 am


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