Table of Contents
Is there a way to look up a trust?
Family trust can be searched using a stack of individual searches, including property search and people search. It can be challenging to find the trustee and it can take some detective work. The key is to use the last name of the family and the property address as your starting point for your search.
Where are trust documents kept?
Store your living trust document where you keep important papers such as your will or durable power of attorney. A fireproof box in your home or office is fine.
How do I request a copy of a trust letter?
In the certified letter, include your name, contact information, and legal basis for requesting a copy of the trust, including the relevant law entitling you to a copy. It may also be wise to include your right to file a petition with the probate court if the trustee continues to refuse your request.
Who holds original trust documents?
Today clients who have living trusts normally keep the original copy. Having the attorney keep the original copy of the trust is not as important as keeping the original will used to be. At death, a copy of the trust generally suffices for all parties in place of the original.
Do living trusts have to be recorded?
In California, a trust does not have to be recorded to be legal unless it holds title on real estate. If a trust does not hold title on real estate property, all assets held in the name of the trust are kept private. The trustee maintains a record of all trust property in a trust portfolio.
Who keeps a copy of a Trust?
Trusts or private documents, they’re usually given to the client, the client then has to maintain them. Sometimes the lawyer who drafted the Trust will keep a copy, sometimes they won’t. It depends on the lawyer.
Do all beneficiaries get a copy of the Trust?
Under California law (Probate Code section 16061.7) every Trust beneficiary, and every heir-at-law of the decedent, is entitled to receive a copy of the Trust document. So all you have to do once your parents are gone is request a copy of the Trust from whomever has it.