Living Trust

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia

My step daughter who is 20 believes her grandmother left her gifts in her living trust. She passed away in April 2008. Jessica's father (only child) refuses to let Jessica see the will and won't discuss the living trust with her.
When Jessica (step-daughter) contacted the lawyer on record he refused to discuss the trust and said to speak to your father and let him know I truly enjoyed dinner last night. (Interesting)
Her grandmother always mentioned that Jessica was in the trust-Always!
Jessica has never been contacted by this lawyer and we honestly think her dad has the lawyer sending any paperwork to his house and listed his number as her contact info.
Jessica has not lived with him since she was 12.

How can we challenge this?

Normally the will is filed within 30-90 days after the death, so you can check at the county courthouse probate court to see if it is filed yet. If it is, you can get a copy from them.

You need to be consulting with a Virginia trust attorney to find out what rights Jessica has as a potential trust beneficiary--some states allow the beneficiary (or the beneficiary's attorney) to send a certified letter to trustee asking for a copy of the trust and an accounting statement, while other states do not allow this.

Maybe father doesn't want her to know how much she is receiving because he is afraid she will be reckless with her spending, but that is truly not a reason to at least provide disclosure.

DANDY DON IN OKLAHOMA ([email protected])