Ask a Lawyer : Chapter 11 - Living Trusts 101

A Right to Know?

Q. I’m one of the beneficiaries of my uncle’s living trust—or at least I think I am. Is there any way (short of asking him) that I can find out what may be in store for me?

A. Privacy is one of the key features of a living trust. In most states, your uncle would not be required to file the trust as a public document and would be under no obligation to reveal the nature of the trust. So treat your uncle well and hope for the best.