Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Vermont

The difference between a living trust and charitable trust
my grandparents set up a living trust fund for my twin sister and i,the people who were made the conservators of the estateuntil the age that we where to reice the inheritence.Well it was set up as a living trust in the original will my grandparents made and when the bank accounts were opened for monthly income from the inheirtence and the acount as living trust account for us....we were also given 100 shares in companys as stock every year for xmas.Now the people who are still incontrol of the tell me that its not living trust that now its a chartible trust and that there are no stokck,but then why do i get a dividen check monthly depoisited into my account from smyth and barney...things seem to be not adding up to what they should be ..The inheiritence was also supposed to be put in are control when we turned 35 we now 41 and they have not yet made availble to turn the trust over to us..MOst recent episodes with them has been sarcastic and i was told it wasnt my bussiness...Im scared that they may be doing thing to there advantage with my inheritence...SO im asking for your advice and i have no knowledge of legal formalities so pleasemake it as basic as my abc's when explaining this to me.... Thank you..
sincerley, sarah

Asked on 4/15/04, 7:39 am

4 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Olden Law Offices of Michael A. Olden

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Re: The difference between a living trust and charitable trust

Get off your you know what and get to an attorney who is specialized in estate planning/probate/litigation. You have a specific problem and I would advise you to set up an appointment immediately, yesterday, right away to talk with the attorney as I think you have specific rights and being represented by an experienced person will help you immensely. You must be proactive in your own right. You must take affirmative action immediately but you cannot do it yourself as you do not have even the education, professional knowledge or ability that inexperienced attorney would have.I have been practicing law in this legal area for over 30 years and understand your problem well. I practice in the S.F. Bay Area and if you wish to contact me call at 925-945-6000.

Answered on 4/15/04, 11:30 am

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Chris Johnson Christopher B. Johnson, Attorney at Law

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Re: The difference between a living trust and charitable trust

Sounds confusing to me...maybe there's more than one trust here. Either way, the trustees cannot keep information from the beneficiaries--you do have the right to trust accountings, copies of the trust(s) and information regarding the trust administration. You should speak with an attorney soon about making a demand for this and find out what's going on.

Answered on 4/15/04, 1:50 pm

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Jill Zimmerman Law Office of Jill Zimmerman

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Re: The difference between a living trust and charitable trust

I am pretty confused about the details. I am assuming that your grandparents have already passed away, but still can't really figure it out, you might try giving a little more detailed information.

Answered on 4/15/04, 2:35 pm

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