Only the trustee can close the trust account. Check the bank's requirements for closing accounts to see what documentation you need to bring with you, usually personal identification and any papers you received when you first set up the trust account.
California statutory law requires a trustee to account annually to current trust beneficiaries, i.e., those who are currently entitled to receive distributions of income and principal during the accounting period. Any trustee, other than the settlor(s) who established the trust, has a duty to account.
The trustee can also request their own removal voluntarily if they believe they are not fit for the role. Essentially, anyone named in the trust document or (if all persons named are deceased) anyone who is a personal representative of the estate may request the removal.
Under California Probate Code §16062, trustees are obligated to account to each beneficiary annually, upon trust termination, and following a change in trustee. Additionally, if a beneficiary requests an accounting in writing, the trustee must provide it within 60 days.
Terminating an active trust requires court intervention or unanimous beneficiary consent. A party with legal standing must demonstrate compelling reasons for a judge to order dissolution, or alternatively, all beneficiaries must concur on ending the trust, ensuring adherence to the trust's purpose and legal procedures.
Compelling Accountings for a Trustee: A Trust beneficiary has the right to retain an Accounting Lawyer. As a result, the beneficiary then has an advocate who will petition the court to force the Trustee to file a Formal Accounting. The Trustee must comply.
In terms of content, an Estate distribution letter should include: the deceased's personal details; a detailed and complete list of all assets and liabilities; the Beneficiary names and the details of their respective inheritances; any details on debt settlement and creditor communication;
If you can provide evidence in your court petition that the trustee is refusing to give accounting, and thus, has committed a breach of trust, the court is likely to grant your petition to compel the trustee to produce an accounting. In the petition, you can also seek reimbursement of your attorney fees and costs.
Dear Beneficiary, I am writing to inform you about the distribution of assets from the estate of Mary Johnson, who passed away on March 15, 2023. My name is the appointed executor of Mary's estate. Assets and Liabilities: List all assets and liabilities, providing a clear picture of the estate.