The Executor Is Not Sharing Information With Beneficiaries: What To Do?

When someone dies, an executor is appointed to handle their estate and carry out the instructions in the deceased’s Will. Among the many duties of executors is to ensure that beneficiaries have enough information about the decedent’s estate. Problems can arise if the executor of a decedent’s estate fails to keep beneficiaries informed.

So, what to do if the executor is not communicating with beneficiaries? If the executor of a decedent’s estate is not keeping beneficiaries informed, the beneficiaries can file a petition asking the court to order the executor to provide information. Also, beneficiaries can petition the court to attempt to remove the executor from office.

Does the Executor Have To Tell Beneficiaries Everything?

The executor of an estate is obligated to provide beneficiaries with enough information to help them understand the estate’s assets and how they will be administered. An executor must provide beneficiaries with enough information to help them enforce their rights. But this doesn’t mean that the executor of an estate needs to tell beneficiaries everything. The executor of an estate does not have to inform beneficiaries about all the actions they take or decisions they make during the administration of the estate.

Information That an Executor Is Required to Share With Beneficiaries

Generally, an estate executor must provide beneficiaries with an inventory and evaluation of properties and an estate accounting.

If an executor fails to provide an accounting to beneficiaries, beneficiaries can file a petition to try and make the executor give an accounting. Also, if an executor provides beneficiaries with an erroneous accounting or if, after receiving an accounting, beneficiaries notice evidence of misconduct, they have the right to contest the accounting.

Steps To Take if the Executor Is Not Communicating With You and the Other Beneficiaries

Before filing a petition with the court, a good first step to take if the executor is not communicating with you and the other beneficiaries is to send the executor a letter asking them to provide you with information. Communicating with an executor in writing can help you if you need to take matters to court. The documented proof of the executor’s breaches of duty can serve as important evidence in court.

If the executor of your loved one’s estate is not communicating with you and the other beneficiaries, it is best that you contact a qualified probate attorney. An experienced attorney can help you write the executor a letter asking them to provide you with the necessary information. A skilled probate attorney can help you petition the court to try to compel the executor to provide you with information or have the executor removed. Additionally, if the executor of your loved one’s estate has provided you with an inaccurate accounting or if you can see evidence in the accounting of misconduct on the part of the executor, you can rely on a qualified probate attorney to help you challenge the accounting.

Contact The Probate Guy for Legal Help

If the executor of your loved one’s estate is not communicating with you and the other beneficiaries or has provided inaccurate information, contact the skilled and dedicated California probate attorney, Robert L. Cohen – The Probate Guy – today to schedule a free telephonic consultation.

Source:

courts.ca.gov/8865.htm?rdeLocaleAttr=en