DCs left money in a trust by DH's parents. Estranged relative is trustee. DCs, over 18 (which might have been a condition) have had huge problems in finding out anything at all about a) how much their trusts are worth b) how it was intended that the money be dispersed.
For example, trustee insisted that, in case of one of the DCs, she paid his university directly for a particular cost. Even after several years of communication, DC has no idea what remains for him.
Now another DC is on the point of asking trustee to make to his uni, again without knowing whether or not he could in fact receive a lump sum, or his money in instalments - but paid directly to him rather than to the uni.
The DCs haven't been furnished with any information beyond being told, as and when they approach trustee, that they need to be specific about what they want the money for, that it has to be paid directly to a third party (eg uni) and that, in any case, trustee has to consult before agreeing or not with her DC (who may be a second trustee but that seems unlikely given the DC's age at the time that DH's parents made their wills).
Can DCs legitimately request copy of trust deed or, at the very least, information regarding the full worth of their trusts and how disbursement was intended to be organized?
Would the investment provider be obliged to provide the DCs with any information if trustee continues not to do so.
We know very little, save that the trusts were originally set up through an investment provider. We don't know if it's a fixed gift trust, discretionary or whatever. Trustee seems loath to part with information.
Any advice would be welcome!