IL

[Cheri]

Jurisdiction

Illinois

Immediately after my mother was diagnosed with cancer she and my stepfather made significant changes to their will/trust, removing myself and stepbrother as co-executors after having been named to that role for over 30 years. My stepfather is now listed as successor trustee for the trust (verified by property records). Towards the final days of her life my mother stated she didn't believe my stepfather "would do the right things" and was asking her banker to clarify if her trust was revocable or irrevocable. I have strong reasons to believe my stepfather manipulated my mother after cancer moved to her brain. (last lawyer visit was 3 weeks before she died). Can I request a copy of the trust? I was named (and have received) some family items thus far - but he is withholding other items stating he needs them to stage his home for resale. Upon his death I should receive 1/3 of what is remaining financially. I would like to hold him accountable for funds in the trust and ensure he is following what is dictated in that document. Currently there is no one for him to be accountable to. Is it possible for me to obtain a copy of the trust document since I am a beneficiary?

 

[army judge]

Immediately after my mother was diagnosed with cancer she and my stepfather made significant changes to their will/trust, removing myself and stepbrother as co-executors after having been named to that role for over 30 years. My stepfather is now listed as successor trustee for the trust (verified by property records). Towards the final days of her life my mother stated she didn't believe my stepfather "would do the right things" and was asking her banker to clarify if her trust was revocable or irrevocable. I have strong reasons to believe my stepfather manipulated my mother after cancer moved to her brain. (last lawyer visit was 3 weeks before she died). Can I request a copy of the trust? I was named (and have received) some family items thus far - but he is withholding other items stating he needs them to stage his home for resale. Upon his death I should receive 1/3 of what is remaining financially. I would like to hold him accountable for funds in the trust and ensure he is following what is dictated in that document. Currently there is no one for him to be accountable to. Is it possible for me to obtain a copy of the trust document since I am a beneficiary?

If you are named in the trust, yes, you have a right to know what's in the trust and to have an accounting of the trust's assets.

I suggest you work with your mother's lawyer to get the information you seek.

Without a lawyer, you're likely to be lied to, ignored, or stonewalled.