Estate Planning Is Not For The Rich; It Is For The Wise

Find Help For Any Trust Or Trustee Disputes

There are many times in the life of a trust when there are issues between the trustee and the beneficiaries of a trust. In some cases, this can be a series of simple misunderstandings and minor inconveniences. There are occasions when a trustee makes decisions that affect your ability to have access to the assets and money within a trust. Are you having a difficult time working with a trustee? Are you concerned that a trustee isn’t providing you with the information and responsiveness you deserve? Are you concerned with how the trustee is managing the trust itself?

At The Sterling Law Group, we have been serving beneficiaries, individuals and families with trust-related legal advice and litigation services for more than 35 years. Our founding attorney, Randy Sterling, will ensure that your questions are answered and that you have access to the benefits you are entitled to. A trust should contain specific guidelines for how the assets or money are to be managed, as well as a clear definition of how the beneficiaries can access trust assets. A trustee is responsible for faithfully executing those instructions and is personally liable for their conduct and for meeting the fiduciary and statutory requirements established under the laws of the state of California (or the state where the trust was established and funded).

Trusts Are Excellent Tools To Protect And Provide For Children And Minors

One of the most common forms of trust is established by the grandparents or parents of a child or children to pass along an asset or sum of money, and provide for their needs until they reach a specific age (at which point they are usually given complete access to the trust’s assets). The beneficiaries of these trusts are often allowed access to money for many reasons, including:

  • School or education such as primary or secondary private schools
  • Collegiate and post-graduate tuition, room and board, and expenses
  • Monthly living expenses
  • Medical insurance and treatment
  • Provision of necessary technology or accessories
  • Automobile purchase or lease

The relationship between the beneficiary of the trust and the trustee can be complicated, and there are times when it is tested and strained. If you are the beneficiary of a trust and feel you are not being given access to your money and benefits, or that access is being withheld in an unfair or unjust manner, there are steps you can take to correct the situation.

Randy Can Help You With Your Trust

In some cases, if the trustee isn’t performing their duties in accordance with California laws or the guidelines of the trust itself, it may be necessary to take legal action to compel them or to have the trustee removed. At The Sterling Law Group, we provide you with direct access to our estate planning attorney, who has more than 35 years of experience in trust and litigation matters. Randy will meet with you personally to gain a comprehensive understanding of your unique circumstances. He will help you to understand what is available to you, work to resolve the issues between you and the trustee, and help you to gain access to your benefits.

To arrange an initial free consultation with Randy, please call our Rancho Bernardo office at 858-500-1043, or you can reach us by email at your convenience. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Home and hospital visits are available upon request.