Q: How to find out if I'm a trustee or trust
A:
The Trust document itself names/designates/controls the identity of both the trustee(s) and the successor trustee(s).
Successor trustees are named in the event that the named trustee is unable or refuses to serve.
As you have probably surmised, being designated as a trustee comes with powers and is both a privilege and obligation(s),
Because you universally enjoy the right to refuse a designation as trustee, and in many places comes with a Notice to be signed by a named trustee, the trust documents are almost always provided to a named trustee and successors.
Timothy Denison agrees with this answer
A:
To discover if you're a trustee or beneficiary of a trust, start by reviewing your personal documents and legal paperwork. Look for trust agreements, wills, or estate planning documents that might name you in either role. These papers often contain specific details about trusts and the people involved.
You can reach out to family members, especially older relatives, who might have set up trusts as part of their estate planning. Sometimes people create trusts but don't immediately inform all the involved parties. If you suspect you might be connected to a trust through someone who has passed away, you could contact the probate court in their county of residence to search for records.
Consider checking with financial institutions where you hold accounts, as they might have trust-related information on file. You might also want to contact the county recorder's office or local courthouse to search for public records related to trusts bearing your name. If these steps don't yield results but you still have questions, reaching out to an estate planning professional can help clarify your status and explain your rights and responsibilities.
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