Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

Re: Is there a URL for a Trusts database?

In addition to avoiding probate, which requires a filing open to public scrutiny, a trust remains private, even after death.

Re: Is there a URL for a Trusts database?

Unless a trust is created under a Will (testamentary trust) which is then available to the public for inspection (if you know the name and county then call the local Surrogate or visit his/her office to see if the Will has been probated), it is a private document. Most trusts are deliberately created before death for several purposes beyond estate planning. Most of them are then used to both retain privacy and to avoid probate. Occasionally, a trust created during one's lifetime is given to a bank or brokerage firm to use with opening an account, but are usually kept private by the institution. There is no database I know of that lists trusts by name or Grantor's name or date created.

Re: Is there a URL for a Trusts database?

Nothing even close in existence.

Re: Is there a URL for a Trusts database?

Part of the beauty of a Trust is that it can be kept confidential in that it does not need to be "filed". Not even after the death of the creator of the Trust.