You can request an accounting from a trustee by making a written demand that clearly asks for a detailed report of trust activity. If the trustee does not respond or refuses, you may petition the court to compel an accounting. At OC Trial Group, APC, we help beneficiaries throughout Orange County enforce this right.

Understanding how and when to make that request helps you protect your rights as a beneficiary and stay informed about how trust assets are handled.

What Is a Trust Accounting and Why Does It Matter?

A trust accounting is a formal report that shows how the trustee has managed trust assets over a specific period. Under California Probate Code section 16063, a proper account must include:

• Income received by the trust
• Expenses and distributions
• Changes in asset value
• Trustee compensation
• Remaining trust assets, along with a notice that you generally have three years to petition the court to review the account

This report allows you to confirm whether the trustee is acting in line with the trust terms and California law. Without it, you are left guessing how funds are being handled.

When Can You Request an Accounting in California?

In California, trustees are generally required to provide accountings to beneficiaries on a regular basis. Under Probate Code section 16062, that usually means at least annually, at the termination of the trust, and upon a change of trustee. A trustee must also send formal notice within 60 days of certain triggering events, such as the settlor’s death, under section 16061.7.

Even if you have not received one, you have the right to ask. In fact, under Probate Code section 16061, a trustee must report information about the administration of the trust on a beneficiary’s reasonable request. You may request an accounting if:

• You are a current beneficiary
• You have not received a recent report
• You have concerns about how assets are being managed
• Distributions have been delayed without explanation

Some trusts may waive formal accountings, but even then, beneficiaries may still have options if there are concerns about misconduct.

How Do You Request an Accounting From a Trustee?

The process usually starts with a clear, written request. While there is no single required format, your request should be direct and specific. Include:

• Your name and your role as a beneficiary
• A request for a full trust accounting
• A reasonable timeframe for response, such as 30 days
• Any specific concerns, if applicable

Keep a copy of your request and send it in a way that creates a record, such as certified mail or email with confirmation. In many cases, a straightforward request is enough to prompt a response.

What If the Trustee Refuses or Ignores Your Request?

If the trustee does not respond or refuses to provide an accounting, you may need to take formal action. Under Probate Code section 17200, beneficiaries can file a petition in probate court to compel the trustee to provide an accounting. The court can:

• Order the trustee to produce a full accounting
• Review the trustee’s actions
• Impose a surcharge on the trustee for losses caused by misconduct under sections 16420 and 16440
• Remove the trustee in serious cases, and remove the trustee under section 15642

This step often encourages compliance, especially if the trustee has been delaying or withholding information, or otherwise failing to follow the trust’s terms.

Are There Situations Where an Accounting Is Not Required?

Yes. Probate Code section 16064 sets out limited circumstances where a trustee may not be required to provide a formal accounting. These may include:

• When all beneficiaries waive the right to an accounting
• When the trust document explicitly limits accounting requirements
• When the beneficiary already has full access to trust financial information

Even in these situations, a lack of transparency can still raise concerns. A waiver is not absolute, and courts may still require disclosure if there are signs of mismanagement or a breach of fiduciary duty.

What Should You Look for in a Trust Accounting?

Once you receive an accounting, review it carefully. Look for:

• Missing or unexplained transactions
• Unusual fees or expenses
• Delayed or inconsistent distributions
• Asset values that do not match expectations

If something does not make sense, you have the right to ask questions or seek clarification. Act promptly, because California generally gives you three years from receiving an account that discloses a problem to bring a claim about it.

Requesting Accountings Across Orange County

Petitions to compel an accounting are heard in the probate division of the Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana. We help beneficiaries enforce their right to information throughout the county, including in Newport Beach, Irvine, and Laguna Niguel. If a trustee is keeping you in the dark, we can help you take the next step.

Take Control When Information Is Being Withheld

When you are not receiving clear information about a trust, taking action can make a difference. A written request is often the first step, but you are not limited to that option if the trustee does not respond.

At OC Trial Group, APC, we help beneficiaries enforce their rights and pursue legal remedies when trustees fail to meet their obligations. If you are dealing with delays, missing information, or concerns about trust management, we can evaluate your situation and help you move forward. Contact OC Trial Group, APC or call 714-202-2640 to discuss your options and take the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must a California trustee provide an accounting?

Under Probate Code section 16062, a trustee must generally account at least once a year, when the trust terminates, and when there is a change of trustee, to beneficiaries entitled to distributions, unless an exception under section 16064 applies.

What can I do if a trustee refuses to give me an accounting?

You can petition the probate court under Probate Code section 17200 to compel the accounting. The court can order the report, surcharge the trustee for losses, and remove the trustee in serious cases.

Can a trust waive the requirement to provide an accounting?

A trust can limit formal accountings in some situations, but the waiver is not absolute. Courts may still order disclosure where there are signs of mismanagement, and certain waivers are void by statute.