Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts

my mom passed away last october she has a trust.my sister is the trustee.my other brothers and sisters are all in the trust.My mom told me I would be getting my share and be named in the trust before she passed away.How do I get access to a copy of her trust.My sister and I do not get along.I have tried asking my sister many times for a copy she refuses to speak with me.Or give me a copy of the trustwhat can I do?My mom lived in mas I live in florida


Asked on 10/22/10, 7:26 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Alexandra Golden Golden Law Center

You are entitled to receive a copy of the trust an an inventory of the assets which were received. Send your sister a letter, certified mail, to formally request these items. If she does not respond after a couple of weeks, you should hire an attorney. Often, a pointed letter from a lawyer will do the job. If it doesn't, the court's assistance may be required.

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Answered on 10/27/10, 7:57 am
Denise Leydon Harvey Harvey Law Offices

I'm sorry for your loss.

If you are a beneficiary of the trust, you are entitled to a copy of it as well as whatever funds, if any, the terms of the trust require. You are only entitled to a copy if you are a beneficiary. You can request in writing that she provide a copy. If she does not comply, it is possible to file an action against her. However, it may be easier and less confrontational to ask one of your siblings to send you a copy of the trust. Are you in contact with any of them?

Also, if your mother had a will, you may request that from the probate court in the county in which she lived at the time she passed away. There may be assets that did not pass through the trust.

Once you know what you're dealing with, it will be easier to determine what, if anything, you are entitled to and what steps you need to take.

Good luck -

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Answered on 10/27/10, 7:59 am


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