Can we be held responsible as an accessory or otherwise if we know someone defrauded an estate.

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Can we be held responsible as an accessory or otherwise if we know someone defrauded an estate.

A family member acted as executor of an estate and claimed to be the sole beneficiary but never filed the will and denied the other beneficiaries his 4 sisters equal share of the estates. He

Asked on August 19, 2017 under Estate Planning, Maryland

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

You are not an accessory or otherwise liable if you innocently helped someone who committed a fraud; BUT once you know that someone is defrauding others or otherwise acting illegally, if you provide assistance or support to him in any way in  regards to his wrongful act, you might be liable. So now that you know this person is cheating others, do NOT help him with the house in any way. Keep your distance from the situation, now that you have knowledge of what is happening.
You are not required by law to report wrongdoing--just to not assist it in any way.


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