Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Only assets transfered to the trust are governed by the trust instrument. You should be concerned. Ask your father if everything he owns is in the name of the trust. If it is not, a probate may be required. To place assets in the trust name you must deed real estate, transfer brokerage accounts, retitle directly owned securities and retitle bank accounts. Perhaps he has done so.

Your father has no obligation at this time to tell you what he owns if he elects not to. He had no obligation to give you the trust, but it appears he decided to do so. If he elects to provide you more information, that's great, but it is his decision. Most of my clients do not disclose their personal estate planning documents to their children, in part because they may change their minds. Others simply do not feel it is their childrens business until death or incapacity. Be happy your father has used a living trust. Not everyone has the foresight to do so.