Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Re: My deceased father's wife moved away and has now died

You had a right to see the trust and to an accounting when your father died if you were remainder beneficiaries in the trust. You should consult an attorney to investigate and if necessary to file an action in the nature of a constructive trust against the children.

Re: My deceased father's wife moved away and has now died

You should be able to get a copy of the trust from the heirs, or from the atty that wrote it....

In addition, the portion of the trust that deals with you and your kin cannot (usually) be changed after your father's death.......... BUT you must move on this matter as quickly as possible, or someone may change the status of the assets without believing that anyone will find out about it...........

Re: My deceased father's wife moved away and has now died

You are entitled to a copy of the trust when it becomes irrevocable--this probably happened at your father's death in 1993. If the trust became irrevocable, then your stepmother could not change the terms after his death. However, some trusts do not become irrevocable until after the surviving spouse's death, and others leave a "power of appointment" which allows some limited changes to the trust. I would request a copy of the trust from your stepsister--it should be among your stepmother's things. If she is uncooperative, she may need a letter from an attorney.