Accessing a family member's living trust
LIST Code: ES-04-01-01-00
LIST Code
ES-04-01-01-00
Title
Accessing a family member's living trust
Definition
Legal issues related to obtaining information, documents, or access to a living trust created by a family member, including situations where trust assets or income are being managed, used, or withheld by others. This issue covers situations where a child or other family member seeks access to a living trust to understand how assets are managed, who has authority to act, and how trust funds are being used. It often arises when a family member is elderly, incapacitated, or living in a care facility, and there are concerns about transparency, misuse of funds, or whether trust assets are being applied properly for the person’s benefit. It also includes problems involving trustees, caregivers, facilities, or third parties who control or receive trust-related funds, such as Social Security payments or trust distributions. Legal questions may involve who has the right to see the trust, what duties a trustee owes, how to request an accounting, and what steps can be taken if funds appear to be misused or access is improperly denied. Includes: - Requesting access to a family member’s living trust documents - Understanding trustee authority and responsibilities - Obtaining trust accountings or financial information - Concerns about misuse of trust assets or income - Trust-related issues involving elder care or residential facilities