Q: My Auntie passed away Aug 26. 2022 and 4 of my children were listed in the trust as beneficiaries. More than 16 months n
16 months now and we haven't received any trust accounting. And the trustee doesn't give us schedule of assest. We sent them emails multiple times requesting for accounting but no response. One of my cousin is listed as co-trustee but they never ask him to participate. They keep my cousins out of the loop. It is stipulated in the trust document that no distribution of principal unit until the 10th year death of the settlor yet they were able to sold the house for 6.6M and now they are planning to sell the commercial property (shopping mall) in early spring 2024. We need legal help but we can not afford lawyers at per hour fees. I appeal to lawyers with kind heart to help us in pro-bono or reduced contingency fee arrangements. There's a distribution of 1.2k out of the sale of the house worth 6.6M. There's no underlying accounting for the distribution and no accounting whatsoever given. Please help us.
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A:
In situations where beneficiaries of a trust are not receiving proper accounting or communication from the trustee, it is important to know your rights. Under trust law, beneficiaries are typically entitled to certain information about the trust, including accounting details and the schedule of assets.
If the trustee is not responding to your requests for information, you may consider taking legal action. This can include petitioning the court to compel the trustee to provide the necessary information or to address any potential mismanagement of the trust.
Regarding legal fees, there are options for those who cannot afford traditional hourly rates. Some attorneys offer services on a reduced fee or contingency basis, particularly in cases where there may be substantial assets involved, like the sale of a house or commercial property.
You might also explore legal aid organizations or pro bono services in your area. Many legal aid societies provide assistance in trust and estate matters, especially when beneficiaries' rights are being overlooked.
Given the complexity of trust law and the specific details of your case, it is advisable to seek legal advice. A qualified attorney can provide guidance tailored to your situation and help protect your rights as a beneficiary. Remember, taking timely action is important in trust-related disputes.
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