Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Trust Law/Inheritance/Distribution of ITF account

A friend left me inheritance via trust. He aksed for my legal info and told me about (substantial) ITF accounts prior to his death. The changes in his trust at the time of death suprised the wife, primary trustee of the trust. His wife who is like a mother to me, told me this: The attorney was aksed not to notify the heirs because she there might be trouble and did not want to see people she loved in court. The attorney agreed. Ive not seen a copy of the trust or been informed of inheritance. Things were eventually changed by the family members. Should I contact his trust attorney who had a legal feduciary responsibility to me but who is also still the family trust attorney? Can I request to see the original trust he left before the family made changes? The wife is ill and the boys will take over the trust soon. We are all friends and have been for many years but I am worried. He died fours years ago in Oct. And I think the family intends to cut me from the will/trust when the wife dies. Should I write to the boys about the ITF items? Should I get an attorney? I want to save our relationship and get what he left to me. I think the attorney and the family does not intend to comply with California law. Thank you.


Asked on 9/04/07, 2:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mitchell Roth MW Roth, Professional Law Corporation

Re: Trust Law/Inheritance/Distribution of ITF account

If you were a beneficiary of the trust at your friend's death you were entitled by law to a copy of the trust. Demand a copy. If it is not forthcoming, you should sue for an accounting from the trustee, or forget it. It's up to you.

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Answered on 9/05/07, 3:04 pm


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