Executor Unable To Act

opinions4u

I am name as the sole executor in a relative's will.

The relative died recently, but the immediate family have been intent on winding up the affairs of the estate themselves.

While I have no obvious problem with this (it saves me a lot of hassle) I am concerned that there may be obligations left outstanding for which I could be held liable.

- the estate is probably small (less than £5,000) but I don't know for sure.
- I am unlikely to be a beneficiary.
- the funeral has taken place.
- I was only advised that I was the executor after the funeral.
- I have not been provided with a copy of the will.
- my offers of practical help with the estate have been refused.

Is there any action I should take to ensure that I have no legal liability for actions taken by others?

Extant

Sounds as though it'd be easier to class yourself as unwilling to act, and appoint someone else to act in your stead - i.e. someone from the family already dealing with it.

Or - provided you haven't done anything as of yet, and you could get a copy of the will - you could renounce your duties, which would allow letters of administration to be applied for.

I'd go for the appointment for such a small estate.