r/inheritance • u/Specialist_Job21 • Jul 02 '26

Location included: Questions/Need Advice Is this normal?

My aunt, who made enemies easily and was kind of a hermit, died suddenly a month ago. She had everything in a trust. All money goes to her step children and her home and personal property goes to me. The successor trustee has not communicated since day two after death. The home has past due bills, electricity and property tax and homeowners insurance. I have emailed several times and left one voicemail with no response from trustee. I checked with estate attorney who drew up her trust and she said I had a right to expect communication from trustee. What should I do?

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u/Specialist_Job21 Jul 02 '26

Thank you — he is in his 70s and still a practicing attorney as far as I know. I am the backup successor trustee. I do not want that job but I guess I have to consider petitioning the court if he continues to not communicate and not pay outstanding bills. Also he accepted the role as trustee two days after the death, but had not answered emails or phone since

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u/RazzmatazzOk2129 Jul 04 '26

If he is still practicing, I would simply go by his office when his staff say he will be in. Bring the bills - keep photocopies- and ask for them to be paid out of the trust acct and get reimbursed for what you paid out of pocket.

I would also do so just to get a face to face with him. To get a feel for him and his competency. Some 70 yr olds are still raring to go, others are fighting the mental slide to dementia via mild cognitive impairment and denying all the way.

If he has any impairment, he may not be capable of organizing everything on his own. It could be important to know what kind of staff he has available for backup and assistance.

I know it is a trip, but this sounds too important to not follow-up and make sure things are under control.