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.
Here are some things to consider when drafting a letter to your executor or trustee. Your thoughts about wealth. Describe key players in the family. What matters to you? ... Give your trustee the power to make decisions, even when that means saying no.
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.
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.
A good letter of instruction should contain the following information: A complete list of all assets. The whereabouts of any tangible assets that are not readily accessible. Necessary information about all liquid assets, including bank, brokerage, retirement, and investment accounts.
What types of fiduciary duties does a trustee have to the beneficiaries? The fundamental duties of a trustee are as follows: (1) the duty of good faith and loyalty; (2) the duty of reasonable skill and diligence; (3) the duty to give personal attention; and (4) the duty to keep and render accounts.
Upon court motion: Beneficiaries can petition the court for a formal accounting; if the court grants the petition, the executor must provide one.