Co-Executor Problems

Yorkshireman99

I have not missed the point! The OP has and you are correct to point out what she needs to do!

hb2

Threecatz, I'm afraid I have come late to the thread and have no specialist knowledge of your situation.

Firstly, I am sorry for your loss. I suspect this is the last thing you want or need just now

I have a couple of thoughts on the matter -

Firstly, your posts suggest that there is very little in the 'estate'. Would there actually be enough to pay a substantial solicitor's bill? If not, would it be worth pointing this little fact out to the sols? I doubt they would want to take on any extra work (bearing in mind that they have already run up quite an account) if they were not likely to get paid!

Secondly, I think you need to consider how much money you are talking about and ask yourself whether it is really worth all this agro. I understand that it is a matter of principle and you don't want to let your brother 'win'. I gather, from what you said, that brother did not act honourably with regard to your mother's estate and you suspect he has the same in mind now. If he did, would it be worth losing a few £ to walk away with your head high and never have to see him again?

I cannot answer either of those questions, and you don't have to answer here, but they might be things for you to bear in mind when you consider your next move.

I have to admit that I often regretted being a singleton, but it is times like these that I am glad of the fact!

Threecatz

Thank you Dox, YM99 and hb2 for your further replies.

Dox - your suggestion is so obvious that I feel stupid that I didn't think of doing that at the outset! Thank you for pointing out what I need to do so clearly. I suppose, once I started receiving letters from the solicitor I thought I had to act on them and also thought there would be a chance of agreeing a way forward with a third party in between us but of course, in my naivety, I was overlooking the fact that they are working solely for my brother!

hb2 - thank you for your condolences. I do take your point about when to act and when to walk away. Although below the IHT threshold, there is more than enough in the pot to pay the solicitor a tidy fee, as they well know because I gave my brother a copy of the spreadsheet I kept as attorney for Dad way back at the beginning, when I thought we were acting together. I have walked away in the past from various questionable things my brother has done, or given him the benefit of the doubt but not this time round.

Anyway, thank you again for the advice, it is much appreciated.

hb2

Threecatz, I wish you well.

Threecatz

Thanks hb2. On a positive note, at least I am learning a lot from this experience - coming back as an only child next time round is one vital lesson:)

Flugelhorn

Threecatz wrote: »

Thanks hb2. On a positive note, at least I am learning a lot from this experience - coming back as an only child next time round is one vital lesson:)

I so hated being an only child - really, really wanted some siblings and in the latter years of mother's life I felt the lack of them dreadfully - however once the first few weeks after her death had passed, I realised that it was definitely easier being an only child. Had to do all the work but there was no-one to disagree with me or argue about my decisions

Threecatz

Thank you Flugelhorn.

I'm sorry, my previous comment was rather crass. I can appreciate how difficult it must have been for you. Life isn't easy, is it.