What can we, as beneficiaries, do if my aunt passed away earlier this year and we think that the executor may not be able to properly handle the administration of the estate?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What can we, as beneficiaries, do if my aunt passed away earlier this year and we think that the executor may not be able to properly handle the administration of the estate?

I have not seen the Will, but was told that she left 100% of her estate to her friend/neighbor, but with instructions on how she would like her estate to be divided among the rest of her small family. Her friend and neighbor has been working as the executor, and is working to get family members their portion of the estate. She is doing her best, but there has been no oversight, and I am worried about possible negligence/ignorance. Is this type of Will common? Should we be aware of any tax implications of receiving assets from the estate if we are not named beneficiaries?

Asked on November 19, 2015 under Estate Planning, Pennsylvania

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

If you are a beneficiary under a Will you have a right to see all documents pertaining to the estate.  In a case such as yours in which negligence rather than intentional malfeasance may be involved, you can request that a "supervised administration" be implemented. This is where the probate court takes a more active role in overseeing the administration of the estate. You can file a motion (typically using the services of an attorney), requesting such an administration. 


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption