20 Jun Should You Tell Someone That They Are a Beneficiary of Your Trust?

Creating a trust is a powerful way to protect your assets, avoid probate, and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth. But once you’ve named your beneficiaries, you may be wondering—should tell them?

It’s a personal decision, but it’s worth considering carefully. Here’s what to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to inform someone that they’re listed in your trust. 

Are You Required to Notify Your Beneficiaries?

No, as the grantor you are not legally required to inform your beneficiaries that they’re named in your trust. It’s up to you if you want to keep the details of your trust a secret until after you pass away. 

Once your successor trustee takes over, they will be required to notify all beneficiaries of the trust’s existence and provide them with specific details. Whether or not you should tell someone that they are a beneficiary of your trust will depend on your personal situation. Let’s take a look at the advantages of each approach. 

Reasons to Tell Your Beneficiaries

Sharing your trust details with your beneficiaries can come with some meaningful advantages. Many people choose to share this information ahead of time, in order to prevent confusion and conflicts in the future.

Transparency can prevent arguments.

Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings, arguments, or suspicions, especially in blended families or situations involving significant assets. Being clear about your arrangements can also reduce the chances of someone contesting your trust later on. 

Maybe you’re distributing more to one child than another or using a staggered distribution method. Letting your beneficiaries know in advance gives you the opportunity to explain your reasons and minimize hard feelings.

It prevents surprises, and opens the door to helpful feedback.

When people know what to expect, they’re less likely to be shocked or disappointed by the terms of the trust. Remember—not everyone wants to receive an inheritance. If you tell your beneficiaries about your plans, then they can discuss with you how it might affect them personally.

If there are potential issues—like naming a trustee your children don’t like or planning to pass down a property no one actually wants—you may be able to make changes now, while you still can.

Reasons You Might Keep It Private

There are also some good reasons you might want to wait to share your trust details. If you’re still finalizing your plans, or you’re protecting someone vulnerable, it may be best to keep the existence of your trust to yourself.

Your trust is still a work in progress.

If you’ve created a revocable living trust, you can make changes at any time. This could mean changing the terms of your grant, adding or removing assets, or even changing the beneficiaries. Some people prefer not to share details of their trust until they’re confident that their plan is finalized.

You’re protecting vulnerable beneficiaries.

In cases where someone struggles with addiction, poor financial decisions, or mounting debt, it may be best not to tell them in advance. A well-structured trust can provide funds in a controlled and protected manner. 

If you suspect that someone might respond poorly or stir up drama, it may be better to wait until the trust is in effect and the trustee is in charge. That way you can preserve the peace in your family during your lifetime.

How to Decide What to Share

When it comes to deciding whether or not you should tell someone they’re a beneficiary, there’s no single right answer. Some people prefer to tell their beneficiaries exactly what they’ll receive. Others simply let them know they’re included, without sharing amounts or timelines. And some keep quiet entirely until the trust is active. 

Your decision depends on your goals, your family dynamics, and the complexity of your estate. If you’re unsure, talk it over with an estate planning attorney—they can help you weigh the pros and cons.

Want to Keep the Peace? Start with a Solid Plan

If you’re trying to keep things fair between your children, stepchildren, or other loved ones, that doesn’t mean you have to divide everything equally. But it does mean having a solid estate plan that makes sense—and communicating that plan clearly can help prevent future problems.

At Phelps LaClair, we’ve guided thousands of Arizona families through the complex decisions around estate planning. Whether you’re starting a trust from scratch or wondering how to handle your beneficiaries, we’re here to guide you with clarity and care.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and make sure your estate plan is built to last.

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/17/2025). Photo by Askar Abayev on Pexels