Bad Trustees Newsletter

Protecting Families from Trust Disputes

by Bad Trustees | August 31, 2025 | Beneficiary | 0 Comments

Trust disputes are some of the most painful conflicts a family can face. They often pit siblings against each other, strain relationships, and drain resources. The sad part is that many disputes are avoidable.

The True Role of a Trustee

by Bad Trustees | August 31, 2025 | Beneficiary | 0 Comments

A trustee’s job is to follow the instructions in the trust document exactly as they were written by the person who created it. That means no favoritism, no shortcuts, and no self-interest.

Why Beneficiaries Deserve Transparency

by Bad Trustees | August 31, 2025 | Beneficiary | 0 Comments

Transparency is more than just a legal obligation — it’s a moral one. Beneficiaries are not asking for favors; they are asking for what was intended for them

Why a Bad Trustee Would Not Be Entitled to Trustee Fees

by Bad Trustees | August 16, 2025 | Liability, Trustee | 0 Comments

⚖️ Why a Bad Trustee Would Not be Entitled to Trustee Fees?Forfeiting Trustee FeesIf the Bad Trustee is facing potential surcharge and documented breaches of fiduciary duty, his claim to trustee fees is almost certainly dead in the water — and trying to push for them...

Why a Bad Trustee Attorney Might Settle Before Trial

by Bad Trustees | August 16, 2025 | Trust Attorney | 0 Comments

If the Bad Trustee Attorney sees that the Good Trust Beneficiaires Attorney has clear, documented proof of the Bad Trustee’s lies — and those lies tie directly to measurable financial losses — there’s a strong chance he’ll push the Bad Trustee to settle before trial rather than risk.

⚖️ What Happens in a Probate Court Trial?

by Bad Trustees | May 31, 2025 | The Basics, Trustee | 0 Comments

A probate court trial is a legal proceeding that occurs when there is a dispute over a deceased person’s estate—often about a will, inheritance rights, or the actions of an executor or trustee. It happens when the normal probate process can’t be resolved administratively and must go before a judge.

How is a family Trustee held accountable?

Apr 6, 2025 | Trustee

How is a family Trustee held accountable?Trustee AccountabilityA trustee can be held accountable...

Description of a Narcissistic Trustee

Mar 28, 2025 | Trustee

A Narcissist TrusteeDescription of a Narcissist Trustee A narcissistic trustee,someone entrusted...

How to collect damages if trustee hides assets?

Aug 19, 2022 | The Basics, Trustee

How to collect damages if trustee hides assets?Trustee DamagesCollecting damages from a trustee who has hidden or misused trust assets is totally possible—but it takes a strategic combo of legal action, documentation, and often court involvement. Here's how to go...

What is an A/B for an Irrevocable Trust?

Jul 19, 2022 | The Basics, Trustee

What is an A/B for an Irrevocable Trust?A/B TrustGreat question! An A/B trust setup, even within the context of an irrevocable trust, is a type of estate planning structure used to help minimize estate taxes and preserve assets—especially for married couples. 🔤 What...

Financial elder abuse

Jun 19, 2022 | The Basics, Trustee

Definition of Financial Elder AbuseElder Financial AbuseFinancial elder abuse is a form of exploitation where someone illegally or improperly uses an older adult’s money, property, or assets for personal gain—often without the elder’s knowledge, understanding, or...

Does personal character matter in a civil probate case against a trustee?

May 19, 2022 | The Basics, Trustee

Does personal character matter in a civil probate case against a trustee?Trustee Personal CharacterYes, personal character can matter in a civil probate case against a trustee — but it's not the primary focus. Here’s how it factors in: 🔍 What matters most: In probate...

What are double damages in probate court?

Apr 11, 2022 | The Basics

What are double damages in probate court?Probate Double Damages In California probate court, double damages under Probate Code Section 859 refer to a penalty for wrongfully taking, concealing, or disposing of estate property. This penalty is twice the value of the...