Grief doesn’t pause for paperwork, and it certainly doesn’t prepare you for the confusion that sets in when a trustee won’t return your calls, refuses to answer your questions or avoids handing over any kind of financial records.
If you’re a beneficiary of a trust, you’re not being difficult by asking where things stand. You are exercising a right that Texas law specifically protects. So if you’ve hit a wall trying to get answers, here’s what you can do next.
Start by confirming your right to an accounting
Texas law gives you, as a current trust beneficiary, the legal right to request a full accounting from the trustee. This means you can see how the assets are being handled, what’s been distributed and whether anything has raised red flags. That right doesn’t apply to just any family member or distant heir; it only applies if the trust directly names you as someone who should be receiving benefits right now.
Once you confirm that, the trustee must provide a written accounting that details trust assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements and any compensation they’ve taken for themselves. If they stay silent or act evasively, they may be violating their fiduciary duty.
Send a formal written demand that meets Texas law
Informal conversations won’t cut it here. If you want to compel an accounting, you need to put your request in writing and send it in a way that creates a clear delivery record, typically through certified mail or another trackable method.
The letter must clearly state that you are a current beneficiary and that you’re requesting a full written accounting under Texas law. Once the trustee receives your demand, they have 90 days to respond. You don’t have to threaten or argue. You just need to stay precise, timely and clear, because the law provides the structure, and you only need to follow it.
Ask the court to step in if the trustee still refuses
If the trustee ignores your written demand or delivers a vague, incomplete response, you can file a petition in probate court to compel the accounting. At that point, the judge can order the trustee to comply, and in some cases, the court may remove them if their refusal reflects a deeper problem like mismanagement or self-dealing.
The court may also order the trustee to pay your attorney fees if it finds their conduct unreasonable or in bad faith. This step shouldn’t feel like an escalation. It simply uses the legal process that exists to protect your interests when the trust relationship breaks down.
Protect your inheritance
You don’t have to stay in the dark or second-guess what the trustee might be doing behind closed doors. If they won’t share records or respond appropriately, you can step forward confidently, knowing the law supports your right to full transparency. The next step isn’t about stirring conflict. It’s about making sure the trust is handled with the integrity and honesty your loved one intended. When you’re ready to take that step, reach out to someone who can help you move forward with clarity and peace of mind.