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Robert A. Ray, Attorney at Law

Robert A. Ray is an attorney who has more than 30 years experience. A lawyer who knows the laws about unfair wills, inheritance disputes and other contested probate matters.

If you feel that you have lost an inheritance or are going to lose an inheritance; need to remove a Trustee due to a mismanaged estate or due to unscrupulous relatives; or, if you are considering contesting a will, we would be happy to give you a free, confidential review of the merits of your case.

Please click on the "Contact Us" tab at the top of the page, where you can fill out a short questionnaire or call us at the phone numbers listed. Our principal office is in Tyler, Texas.

We handle contested probate cases throughout Texas.

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Find Out About Removal of Trustees, Breach of Duty in Probate or Inheritance Disputes
Does a Trustee Have to Make an Accounting?

Does a trustee have to disclose what he is doing?One of the primary duties of a trustee is to keep full, accurate and orderly records concerning the status of the trust estate and all acts performed by him. He is charged with maintaining an accurate account of all the transactions relating to the trust property. Some states require a formal written accounting by the trustee on an annual basis, but Texas does not. Texas does have a provision that beneficiary or "interested person" can demand that the trustee give a written accounting of the trust. The trustee must make the written accounting within 90 days. If he does not, the court can order him to make an accounting and two personally pay the attorneys fees and costs for not making account.

the written accounting by the trustee must show:


  1. all trust property that has come to the trustee's knowledge or into the trustee's possession and that has not been previously listed or inventoried as property of the trust;
  2. a complete account of receipts, disbursements, and other transactions regarding the trust property for the period covered by the account, including their source and nature, with receipts of principal and income shown separately;
  3. a listing of all property being administered, with an adequate description of each asset;
  4. the cash balance on hand in the name and location of the depository where the balance is kept; and
  5. all known liabilities owed by the trust.
Many times, people are beneficiaries of property that is being controlled by someone else but can't get any information about the status of the property. By making a written demand on the trustee to make an accounting, a person can force the trustee to account for the property and what he has done with it.


 
Learn About Fiduciary Duty

A fiduciary has a high duty to protect the interest of the beneficiary.

Wikipedia, describes a fiduciary's duty as:

The fiduciary duty is a legal relationship of confidence or trust between two or more parties, most commonly a fiduciary or trustee and a principal or beneficiary. One party, for example a corporate trust company or the trust department of a bank, holds a fiduciary relation or acts in a fiduciary capacity to another, such as one whose funds are entrusted to it for investment. In a fiduciary relation one person justifiably reposes confidence, good faith, reliance and trust in another whose aid, advice or protection is sought in some

Read more about fiduciary duty
 

Disclaimer

This site does not give legal advice. This site does not create an attorney client relationship.

The use of the Internet, this site or email for communication with this firm or any individual member of this firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Before we represent any client, the client and the attorney will sign a written retainer agreement. If you do not have a written, signed retainer agreement with us, we are not representing you and will not be taking any action on your behalf.