Q: How would I be able to get details on a trust fund created by family that I am no longer in contact with?
I know of a trust fund in my name and would like to find out details as I don’t know anything about it other than the fact that it exists.
A:
Generally, there is no right to get a copy of anyone else's planning documents while the planner is still living. So if the relative who created this Trust is still living (and assuming it is a typical trust), usually it is entirely up to that person to decide what, if anything (or nothing) they wish to share. Future beneficiaries have no right to demand copies - the Planner may decide to change what goes to the beneficiaries or remove one or more beneficiaries entirely.
After the original planner dies or a trust otherwise becomes "irrevocable", then the current beneficiaries of a Maryland trust have rights to get a copy of the Trust instrument. This can be formally requested in writing of the Trustee. If the Trustee has not kept in touch and their current address is unknown it may be necessary to do some searching. In this day and age, contact information is not hard to find for most people but in the unusual situation where one cannot easily find an address professionals such as skip tracers and private investigators might be employed. Although Trustees ordinarily comply with their legal duties and give copies on request occasionally beneficiaries engage counsel to intervene.
While not legal advice I hope the general information helps.
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