Q: Are beneficiaries of a trust entitled to a copy of the trust in Colorado
My father passed away in 2023. He told my sister and I we were beneficiaries to the trust prior to his passing. My step mother, the trustee, refuses to provide us with a copy or show us the trust or any of its contents.
I am not able to find a copy of his will, trust or probate in public records.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
In Colorado, beneficiaries of a trust are generally entitled to information about the trust. This includes a copy of the trust document. Your stepmother, as the trustee, has a duty to provide beneficiaries with enough information to protect their interests.
You should request a copy of the trust in writing. If your stepmother still refuses, you may need to seek legal assistance to compel her to disclose the trust documents. This can be done through the probate court.
If you're having trouble locating the will or trust in public records, it may be because not all trusts are required to be filed publicly. Consulting with an attorney experienced in trust and estate matters can help you navigate this process and ensure your rights as a beneficiary are protected.
1 user found this answer helpful
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
