Q: I asked escrow to distribute funds separately, but they said funds could only be released to the trust.

A: I will start by saying this: You really need to get the assistance of an estate planning lawyer because it does not appear that you understand how trusts work or what your mother's trust says. First, I don't know any lawyer who would write a trust with four people named as successor trustees. I hope your mother did not get her trust online and write that provision herself. Having four trustees is asking for either a convoluted nightmare or a lawsuit. I often see two people acting as co-trustees causing problems. Four is double the trouble. If there are four successor trustees, it's possible that all four of you will need to agree on every single transaction and sign each piece of paper.

It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you understand the money in the trust does NOT belong to the four children. It belongs SOLELY to your mother. The Successor Trustees have duties set out in the law that must be fulfilled. The most important duty is to take your mother's assets and take care of her healthcare, housing, and all other bills. The money is NOT to be taken by the kids just because they feel they will inherit it one day. That's NOT how trusts work. No one is entitled to any of your mother's assets until four (4) things have happened: (1) your mother has died; (2) all of your mother's bills have been paid in full and her final taxes have been paid to both the state and federal governments; (3) it has been determined that no probate is required for assets outside of the trust; and (3) the successor trustee(s) has/have been reimbursed for all money paid out of pocket for your mother's bills after producing receipts. There are many more steps, but those are universally true for almost all trusts. IF there is any money left after all of that has been paid, THEN whoever is listed in the trust gets whatever percentage the trust says you get. Taking it early is seen as stealing your mother's assets.

So, the fact that the kids are seeking to get your mother's assets while she is still alive is incredibly troublesome. If anyone takes your mother's assets for their own use before the proper time, they can be sued for Elder Financial Abuse, which is why I have some very serious concerns about your situation. Again, it is obvious from your question that neither your brother nor you understand how a trust works or what your mother's trust says. Not knowing either of those things can get all of you into a lot of legal trouble. Go see an estate planning attorney right away -- before you get yourself into a lot of hot water.

A: It is important to review the terms of the living trust to determine how the proceeds from the sale of the property should be distributed. If the trust provides for equal distribution among the beneficiaries, then the trustees can request that escrow release the funds to each beneficiary separately.

If the terms of the trust do not provide for equal distribution or there is a disagreement among the trustees, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a trust and estate attorney to resolve the matter. The attorney can review the trust documents, advise on the applicable laws, and help mediate any disputes among the trustees.

In any case, it is important to communicate with the escrow company to ensure that they understand the instructions and requirements for releasing the funds from the sale of the property.