How Can I Get a Copy of a Trust?

by Vick T
(California)

QUESTION:

Could you please tell me how to get a copy of my parents amended living trust? They are deceased and the trustee has only given the beneficiaries only the power of attorney paper and the one paper changing the trustee. There are two states involved. Michigan where it was amended and where there is one house and California where the original trust was written.

ANSWER:

Hi, generally speaking, one of the "advantages" of a living trust is that it can be kept private. However, there are some circumstances when it's not. Also, sometimes it is possible for an heir to petition the court to get a copy of the trust. You'll need to talk to an attorney about the rules in California. See California Living Trust Attorney.

All of this is discussed more at Privacy of a Living Trust.

Of course you can just ask the trustee for a copy and he or she might well give it to you.