Breakdown of a will .

Froglet

After a will has been sorted out by the executors and all monies gathered together and divided up,then distributed to the beneficiaries ,is it a legal requirement for the amounts to be shown?


My grandfathers second wife died last year and her flat has been sold,completing last month.Her solicitors are acting as the executor,and a copy of her will was sent to all 9 people (family) who are to inherit from her estate.We all had to send in proof of who we are,and are now awaiting the final payment.Not essential to know,but I just wondered if it was something that had to be done,or would it be down to the solicitors who could choose to withhold or divulge that information?

dzug1

Beneficiaries who receive something specific from the will are not entitled to anything further - although there is no real reason for then not to receive information


Residuary beneficiaries are entitled - after the estate has been distributed - to a financial summary of the estate

getmore4less

dzug1 wrote: »

Residuary beneficiaries are entitled - after the estate has been distributed - to a financial summary of the estate

I think you will find that that would only be required by a court order.

Any sensible executor would not withhold without good reason

Froglet

Thanks.Yes we are the residuary beneficiaries,she left small amounts to charities.Just curious really,then again it feels like prying into someone's private affairs,even though she has died.


I have to add I was very fond of her,she lived to 89 and always treated us like her own grandchildren as she had no children of her own.Very much like my situation.

G6JNS

Froglet wrote: »

Thanks.Yes we are the residuary beneficiaries,she left small amounts to charities.Just curious really,then again it feels like prying into someone's private affairs,even though she has died.


I have to add I was very fond of her,she lived to 89 and always treated us like her own grandchildren as she had no children of her own.Very much like my situation.

Residuary beneficiaries are entitled to see the estate accounts. A court order would only be required if the executor(s) refused to supply them. Be very firm but polite with them.

BobQ

G6JNS wrote: »

Residuary beneficiaries are entitled to see the estate accounts. A court order would only be required if the executor(s) refused to supply them. Be very firm but polite with them.

One thing to add is that if there is any reluctance to comply, an alternative to a court order when dealing with a solicitor as executor, is the residual beneficiaries can complain about the conduct of the firm in not complying. This would be a complaint initially, but could be taken to the Ombudsman.

Froglet

The problem is that I,and all of my cousins,are too far away to do much.The only person who had been caring for my grandmother as she was near enough,is her niece,so the only thing we could do is speak to her as I believe she is in direct contact with the solicitor.


It still feels like invading her privacy,i don't have any reason to not trust the solictors will do it correctly but I don't like to ask beforehand.I also think the others in the family would not want me to make a fuss.

TBagpuss

you don';t need to be near by. You can simply write to the solicitor asking them whether they will send you a copy of the estate accounts. Most solicitors would do this as a matter of course for a residuary beneficiary.

Or just phone them