Can a beneficiary see the Estate Accounts?

6Stringer

Hello

I am one of 4 beneficiaries named in my late Uncle's will. His property has just been sold and soon i hope to learn the sum of money to which i am entitled. I say 'hope' because right from the start the executors have not given me much information. I only know my Uncle's property has been sold because of the SOLD sign placed outside it.

When i receive notification am i entitled to see the Estate Accounts? How do i know that the amount offered to me is correct? I have no idea how much his property was sold for, the amount of savings in his accounts etc. Also how much money has been spent on bills since his passing? (circa a year)

The other 3 beneficiaries are all related(brothers and sisters) to his surviving partner; they all know the amounts involved probably. I feel i am on the outside looking in and do not want to be denied my proper entitlement.

All help appreciated.

Dox

You are only entitled to see the estate accounts if you are a residual beneficiary - and then only at the end of the process. The will (available to download for £1.50 from https://www.gov.uk/search-will-probate) will tell you if you are a residual beneficiary.

Undervalued

6Stringer wrote: »

Hello

I am one of 4 beneficiaries named in my late Uncle's will. His property has just been sold and soon i hope to learn the sum of money to which i am entitled. I say 'hope' because right from the start the executors have not given me much information. I only know my Uncle's property has been sold because of the SOLD sign placed outside it.

When i receive notification am i entitled to see the Estate Accounts? How do i know that the amount offered to me is correct? I have no idea how much his property was sold for, the amount of savings in his accounts etc. Also how much money has been spent on bills since his passing? (circa a year)

The other 3 beneficiaries are all related(brothers and sisters) to his surviving partner; they all know the amounts involved probably. I feel i am on the outside looking in and do not want to be denied my proper entitlement.

All help appreciated.

Broadly yes.


See this web page (despite the title it does cover your question to some extent).....

https://beyond.life/help-centre/admin-legal/how-to-get-a-copy-of-a-will/

As I understand it technically you are only entitled to the accounts if you are left a percentage of the estate but not if you are left a fixed amount.

Here is the most relevant bit....

Are beneficiaries entitled to a copy of the will?

No. Only the executors are entitled to a copy of the will. However, if you’re a residuary beneficiary, you are entitled to see the estate accounts after the estate has been distributed. The accounts will usually include a summary of the terms of the will along with a record of how everything has been dealt with.

You can also see the estate accounts if:

You were left something in the will, but the estate didn’t have the funds to cover it
You’re the parent or guardian of a beneficiary under the age of 18

6Stringer

Thanks for the replies.
Undervalued, Yes i have been left a percentage in the will not a fixed amount.

Can you explain what a Residuary Beneficiary is please. I keep reading explanations that differ.

Undervalued

6Stringer wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.
Undervalued, Yes i have been left a percentage in the will not a fixed amount.

Can you explain what a Residuary Beneficiary is please. I keep reading explanations that differ.

As I understand it, it is a beneficiary who receives what, if anything, is left (or a percentage of what is left if there are several) after all of the expenses of the estate and any beneficiaries who have been left a fixed amount have been paid.

Dox

6Stringer wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.
Undervalued, Yes i have been left a percentage in the will not a fixed amount.

Can you explain what a Residuary Beneficiary is please. I keep reading explanations that differ.

Googling on Residuary Beneficiary: 'The only people entitled to receive a copy of the Estate Accounts are the Residuary Beneficiaries. A Residuary Beneficiary is someone who is given the remainder of the Estate (known as the Residue) once all the funeral expenses, debts, taxes and other gifts have been paid out.'