The Short Answer

If you are a beneficiary of an irrevocable trust in Pennsylvania (which many trusts become after the settlor dies), you generally have the right to request information about the trust and its administration—and the trustee must respond promptly. If the trustee is ignoring you or withholding information, it is often a sign you should speak with a Pennsylvania probate/trust attorney to protect your rights and avoid losing leverage due to timing rules.

What Pennsylvania Law Says

In Pennsylvania, trustees have legal duties to keep certain beneficiaries informed and to provide information when reasonably requested. Beneficiaries may also have rights to receive a copy of the trust instrument and periodic financial reporting (often at least annually, upon request), depending on the trust’s status and who qualifies as a “current beneficiary.”

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is 20 Pa.C.S. § 7780.3 (Duty to inform and report).

This statute establishes that a trustee must promptly respond to a reasonable request by a beneficiary of an irrevocable trust for information related to the trust’s administration, and it also requires specific notices to current beneficiaries in certain situations (such as after the settlor’s death).

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statute provides the general rule, applying it to your specific situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: Pennsylvania has time limits that can bar claims against a trustee, and those limits can be triggered by trustee reports/notices and other events. See, for example, 20 Pa.C.S. § 7785 (limitation of action against trustee).
• Burden of Proof: If you ultimately need court involvement, you may need to prove you are a beneficiary (or a “current” beneficiary), that your request was reasonable, and that the trustee’s lack of response is improper under the trust terms and Pennsylvania law.
• Exceptions and Trust-Specific Terms: Trust language can change what is required, who receives notices, and when distributions are discretionary versus mandatory. A trustee may also claim reasons for delay (taxes, expenses, creditor issues, or ongoing administration) that require careful legal review.

Trying to handle this alone can lead to missteps—especially if the trustee later argues you missed a deadline, waived rights, or accepted an accounting/distribution that limits future claims. An attorney can evaluate whether you are entitled to information now, whether a formal accounting should be demanded, and what court remedies may be appropriate if the trustee will not comply.

If you also have concerns about missing funds or a fiduciary refusing transparency in an estate context, you may find this helpful: How can I challenge an executor’s accounting and recover missing estate funds in Pennsylvania?

Get Connected with a Pennsylvania Attorney

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Pennsylvania law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.