California Trustee Duties: What Beneficiaries Should Expect
By Dion Macbeth, California attorney
Trustees manage property for beneficiaries and must follow both the trust terms and applicable fiduciary rules. Clear records and timely communication are central to responsible administration.
Administration should be transparent
Beneficiaries may need information about assets, expenses, distributions, investments, and the trustee's decisions. A trustee should keep separate records and avoid commingling or personal use of trust property.
Conflicts require care
Self-dealing, unequal treatment, unreasonable fees, delayed distributions, and poor investment decisions can create exposure. A trustee facing uncertainty should seek advice before taking an irreversible action.
Common Questions
Further Detail
Depending on the trust and applicable law, beneficiaries may have rights to information or an accounting. The scope and process should be evaluated specifically.
Possible remedies can include an accounting, surcharge, changed distributions, removal, or other court relief, depending on the harm and governing documents.
Legal Guidance
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