Examining present beneficiaries’ requests for trust information and ascertaining what is “reasonable” through consideration of the common law and industry practice

It is often a challenge for trustees to determine to what information a requesting present beneficiary is entitled. While the weight of the sources indicates that the trust instrument and statements of trust assets should be provided, what those statements must include and what types of other information must be provided remains a grey area. Still, trustees can find some guidance in case law and commonsense practices.