The River Oaks Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, is dedicated to empowering beneficiaries throughout River Oaks, Upper Kirby, West University, Montrose, Greenway Plaza, and the greater Central Houston region. Beneficiaries often feel uncertain during trust administration—especially when trust terms are complex or when communication from the trustee is unclear. Our goal is to ensure beneficiaries understand their legal rights, what to expect from the trustee, and how to protect their interests throughout the administration process.
Trusts are created to benefit the individuals chosen by the grantor, but beneficiaries are not passive observers. Texas law grants beneficiaries strong protections to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability. Our River Oaks team guides beneficiaries through every stage of trust administration, offering clarity, communication support, and legal advocacy when needed.
Beneficiary Rights Under the Texas Trust Code
Beneficiaries in Texas have several important rights designed to promote transparency and prevent trustee misconduct.
The Right to Access Trust Information
Beneficiaries may request:
- A complete copy of the trust document
- All amendments or restatements
- A list of trust assets
- Financial statements and accounting reports
- Information on liabilities, expenses, and obligations
Trustees are legally required to provide reasonable access to this material.
The Right to Fair & Impartial Treatment
Trustees must:
- Treat all beneficiaries equally (unless the trust instructs otherwise)
- Avoid favoritism or bias
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Manage assets solely for the beneficiaries’ benefit
Even if the trustee is also a beneficiary, impartiality is required.
The Right to Proper & Timely Distributions
Beneficiaries are entitled to:
- Distributions exactly as written in the trust
- Reasonable timelines for distribution
- Explanations for any required delays
- Documentation of all transfers
Unnecessary delays may be a sign of mismanagement.
The Right to Clear Communication
Beneficiaries must receive:
- Updates about trust administration
- Notice of significant financial transactions
- Responses to reasonable inquiries
- Transparency on investment and distribution decisions
Strong communication prevents disputes and builds trust in the process.
The Right to Hold Trustees Accountable
If a trustee fails to follow the law or the trust terms, beneficiaries may:
- Request a formal accounting
- Seek trustee removal
- Demand mediation or resolution
- Pursue legal action for losses
- Report breaches of fiduciary duty
Our River Oaks Office helps beneficiaries evaluate concerns and exercise their rights appropriately.
How Our River Oaks Office Supports Beneficiaries
We guide beneficiaries by:
- Explaining the trust document and its legal rights
- Reviewing trustee actions for compliance
- Helping beneficiaries obtain trust information
- Monitoring investment and asset management decisions
- Preparing requests for accounting or documentation
- Mediating communication breakdowns between trustees and beneficiaries
- Representing beneficiaries in trust disputes or litigation
- Ensuring fairness and transparency throughout the administration process
Our mission is to make beneficiaries feel informed, supported, and fully protected.
