Trusts and Trustee Duties

Dear Len & Rosie,

My mother has a revocable living trust. I am her sole successor trustee, and I'll take over after she dies. I have two brothers and a sister. My mother wrote her trust to give my younger brother only $1, because he was once convicted of marijuana possession and he never calls or visits. She thinks he is still a dope smoking pothead. What would have been his share is to be divided up among my cousins and the church.

As the trustee after my mother dies, am I able to ignore her wishes and give my brother his fair share of my mother's property? How difficult is it to change it the way I see fit? This is really bothering me because it's just not fair. I feel all of her children should be treated alike.

Suzanne

Successor Trustee and Trust Administration

Dear Len & Rosie,

Like so many others, I too have a living trust. I have a question, but the lawyer who assisted me with my trust is no longer available for consultation. Can you explain the procedure for my family to put the living trust into effect when the time comes? I am widowed, therefore one of my sons will act on my behalf.

Could you give us "do-this-first" type of information? I know each situation will differ somewhat, but surely there are some basics that apply to everyone.

Edna