Trusts, wills and family money
My parents are still alive and changing their trust. Can I stop them?
Based on an interview with Josué Cristóbal Guerrero, Founding Partner, recorded .
The short answer
Generally no. You have no right to your parents' property while they are alive, and whatever rights you may have usually arise when they die. A parent with capacity can generally change a revocable trust, and it is their decision to make.
Why this is not a case
While a trust is revocable and the person who can revoke it is competent, the trustee's duties run to that person and not to the beneficiaries. You are not owed a copy, an accounting or a say. We do not take cases to stop a competent parent from changing their own trust.
The same goes for moving a parent's property into your name to get ahead of a sibling.
When it is a real problem
It is different if your parent no longer has capacity, or someone is exploiting them. Then the concern becomes your parent's protection. If you think a parent is being financially abused, you can report it to Adult Protective Services, and a lawyer can talk you through what can be done now. After a death, a suspicious late change can be challenged.
- Probate Code section 15800. While a trust is revocable and the holder of the power is competent, that person holds the beneficiaries' rights and the trustee's duties run to them.
This answer is general information about California law and is not legal advice for any specific situation. Deadlines and exceptions turn on your facts. Code sections were checked against California Legislative Information on November 4, 2026.
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