Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Is an executor of a Trust in California required to reveal the contents of the Trust to the beneficiaries before the estate owner dies?


Asked on 5/13/11, 4:39 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Eliz. C. A. Johnson Eliz. C. A. Johnson

No. Generally, there is no such requirement. Until then, it is revocable [unless it is irrevocable] and so it is not set and a Grantor [the person who set up the Trust] is not required to share it with anyone. There may be circumstances that would change this but based on this short question, the answer is no. FWIW, the Executor is one who carries out the terms of a Will, not a Trust.

Contact your local bar association for referral to an attorney who specializes in this. Often, but not always, the attorney will do an initial consultation free of charge. You will then be in a better position to determine what to do next. Best of luck to you!

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Answered on 5/13/11, 4:47 pm
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

The trustor can modify or change the trust during his/her lifetime, unless it's irrevocable, so why stir up a hornet's nest when it's not necessary to do so?

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Answered on 5/13/11, 5:25 pm


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