The Right Way to Approach a Free Consultation as a Trust Beneficiary

The Quick Answer: Bring Documents, Be Honest, and Focus on Your Goals

To get the most out of a free consultation as a trust beneficiary, come prepared. Bring a copy of the trust document, a timeline of events, any emails or letters from the trustee, and a list of your questions and concerns. Be honest about what you know, what you don’t, and what outcome you’re hoping to achieve.

At Moravec, Varga & Mooney, we use consultations to evaluate whether your trustee is fulfilling their duties, whether your inheritance is at risk, and whether legal action is necessary. The more organized and candid you are, the more we can help.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

To avoid delays or vague answers, bring the following materials:

• 📄 Trust document – Including any amendments

• 🗂 Accounting or financial reports – If you’ve received any from the trustee

• 📆 Timeline of events – Important dates like the settlor’s death, trust distributions, or suspicious transactions

• ✉️ Correspondence – Emails, letters, or texts between you and the trustee or co-beneficiaries

• ❓ Your questions – Write them down ahead of time so you don’t forget

Bringing organized materials shows that you’re serious and allows your attorney to assess your case quickly and accurately.

Be Clear About Your Role and Your Goals

During the consultation, your attorney will want to understand:

• Your relationship to the trust (are you a named or contingent beneficiary?)

• Whether you’ve received any distributions or accountings

• What behavior or decisions by the trustee concern you

• What you hope to achieve (e.g., forcing a distribution, removing a trustee, recovering assets)

Knowing your goals—whether they are practical, financial, or emotional—helps the attorney suggest the right legal tools and strategies.

What You Can Expect from the Attorney

During your consultation with Moravec, Varga & Mooney, we will:

• Explain your rights under the trust and California law

• Identify any red flags in trustee behavior

• Outline possible next steps, including whether a petition to the probate court is appropriate

• Let you know whether the case may be appropriate for contingency representation

• Discuss potential timelines, costs, and risks

Remember, free consultations are designed to help both the client and the attorney decide whether there’s a case worth pursuing.

Red Flags to Raise During Your Consultation

If you’ve experienced any of the following, be sure to mention them:

• Delayed or missed distributions

• Lack of communication from the trustee

• No formal accounting within a year

• Sudden sales or transfers of trust property

• Trustee using trust funds for personal benefit

What Not to Worry About

Don’t worry if you don’t understand legal terms or don’t have every document. Your consultation is not a test—it’s an opportunity to get help. An experienced attorney will guide the conversation and help you uncover key issues.

Let Us Help You Take the First Step

If you're a beneficiary with concerns about a trustee—or just want to better understand your rights—we invite you to schedule a free consultation with the experienced trust attorneys at Moravec, Varga & Mooney.

📞 Contact us now to start protecting your inheritance.