Information for Trust Beneficiaries in California

Trusts play a vital role in estate planning, offering a way to manage and distribute assets according to the specific wishes of the grantor. The array of options that exist in structuring trusts can leave beneficiaries with a lot of questions. I have been assisting trust beneficiaries in California and beyond since 1980. My extensive experience in the nuances of trust law equips me to navigate the complexities of various trust structures and help beneficiaries protect their rights.

I serve Los Angeles, throughout San Fernando Valley, and all of southern California. Call (818) 892-7093 or contact me online today.

What Beneficiaries Should Know about Their Trust

The complexities of a trust can be put into three general categories: 

• The terms: This includes distribution schedules, conditions of distribution, and any special provisions outlined. 
• The assets: I can help you identify the assets held within the trust, such as real estate, investments, or personal property, and understand how they are being managed and distributed.
• The trustee’s responsibilities: The trustee is who oversees distributing the trust’s assets to its beneficiaries. It’s important to know the specific responsibilities that were given to the trustee and to ensure transparency in their administrative actions. 

Your Rights as a Trust Beneficiary

As a trust beneficiary, you have specific rights that can safeguard your interests and make sure you are treated fairly. 

• The right to information: You are entitled to request and receive information about the trust, its assets, and how it is being administered. 
• The right to an accounting: Trustees must provide periodic accounts detailing the trust’s financial transactions and activities for review by the beneficiaries. 
• The right to legal action: If you believe the trustee is not fulfilling their duties or the trust terms are being violated, you have the right to take legal action to protect your interests. 

Remember, the grantor set up the trust with the specific desire for you to benefit. It’s important to exercise your rights. Law Offices of Darrell C. Harriman is here to help you do that.