Do I need a lawyer to get information on the accounting of an estate from the executor?

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Do I need a lawyer to get information on the accounting of an estate from the executor?

I would like to know if I can ask to see documents where my inheritance is paying off bills owed to creditors? I would like a legal letter from a lawyer asking this question of the executor.

Asked on January 21, 2016 under Estate Planning, Missouri

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

You legally *may* ask. And if they refuse, you could even file a legal action (lawsuit) in chancery or probate court seeking an accounting on your own, without an attorney. But there's no doubt but that a lawyer would be much more effective at pursuing this than a layperson. The issue really is economic: unless the matter resolves with the first letter, assume it will cost you several thousand dollars if you hire an attorney. If only a few thousand dollars are at stake, it's probably not worth paying attorney's fees...but if several tens of thousands of dollars, or more, are possibly involved, then you should retain an attorney to help you.


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.

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