Newton, TX Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

This is a complex question because it can happen. Does the surviving spouse have any rights. Possibly. She may have a dower interest in any real estate owned by the husband she did not sign off on which was transferred to the trust or corporation during their marriage. A spouse may also be entitled to any 401(k) funds from a pension unless the spouse signed off on a transfer or change of beneficiary. Under Michigan law you have a spousal allowance, an exempt property allowance and a homestead allowance for all property required to be probated.

I don't think there's a cut-and-dry answer to your question, especially without more information. As the mother of his children, it's saddening that he is being secretive with regard to the trust. If the children are minors, as their legal guardian, you may be able to demand an accounting of the trust on your children's behalf. However, some trusts are written in such a way that the trustee does not have to provide an accounting at the beneficiaries' request. It just depends on the wording of the trust. I think you'll have a particularly difficult time if the trust is a Revocable Trust. If you think action needs to be taken to protect the rights of the children under the trust, then you should contact an attorney in your area to see if you can get some movement.

Yes, however, he has to be doing so at either the direction of the brother, or for the brother's best interest. A power holder has a fiduciary duty to the power grantor.