An executor has an important job. They have to make sure that the will of the deceased is being carried out. This means that they need to talk to beneficiaries and keep them updated on anything related to the estate. If they do not, the beneficiaries need to act and protect their rights. If you find yourself in this kind of situation, you may want to talk to a Woodland Hills will attorney.
What Does an Executor Do For Beneficiaries?
An executor is supposed to tell beneficiaries when they have been left assets in the will. They are also supposed to keep beneficiaries in the loop as they carry out their duties. An executor has to settle the estate of a deceased and this can take a bit of work. They are responsible for:
- Settling any tax issues
- Paying creditors
- Liquidating or distributing assets
An executor can sell off property and other assets as long as they are not supposed to go to a beneficiary named in the will. Once all other matters are settled, the distribution of property to heirs and beneficiaries can take place. The executor needs to maintain clear lines of communication during this process though. If they make themselves impossible to contact and do not speak to any of the heirs even when contacted, they could run into legal issues.
Can Beneficiaries Act if an Executor Does Not Do Their Job?
When an executor is not doing their job or communicating with the beneficiaries, they can be taken to court. The people named in the will may be able to contest the probate process. If successful, a court order could compel the executor to maintain communication and keep beneficiaries in the loop. Violating that court order could get the executor removed.
How Long Should It Take to Execute a Will?
We do stress that you have to be patient during this process though. Even when an executor does their job properly, it can take 10 months to two years until a will is finally settled and beneficiaries are paid. There is a lot to do before assets can be distributed. If the executor is acting in good faith, keeping heirs in the loop, and trying their best to do their job, then legal action is probably not necessary.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
If you do decide that the executor is not doing their duty, we recommend talking to a lawyer. An attorney who knows the probate process well can tell you when a will is taking long to execute or when the person responsible is simply dragging their feet.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
Beneficiaries have rights, and if an executor does not respect those rights they should be held accountable. If you are having any kind of issue with an executor of a loved one’s will, contact the Law Offices of Yacoba Ann Feldman. We can take the time to learn more about your problem and tell you what our attorneys can do to help.
