Right to see accounts

CaptainWales

Hi
Does a beneficiary who stands to inherit a fixed amount have the right to see the executors accounts? Or does it not matter so long as they end up with the sum specified?

Fingers1234

I don’t think so but others more experienced will be round soon!  The will is available online and as long as they have the specified amount why would they want to see the rest?  Having said that nothing surprises me these days

Rodders53

https://www.gov.uk/valuing-estate-of-someone-who-died/records 

Send copies of the final accounts to all beneficiaries.

CaptainWales

But do i have to? ie is it a legal requirement or is this just good practice / a recommendation. 

doodling

Hi,

Generally only residual beneficiaries have a right to see estate accounts.  Other beneficiaries don't, unless they are not receiving their full bequest.

I can't find the relevant law, but that appears to be the consensus amongst a whole slew of UK solicitor websites.

Of course, just because you don't have to provide a copy doesn't mean you can't if that would be a reasonable thing to do.

Keep_pedalling

As long as the beneficiary gets the amount specified in the will then you don’t need to provide the m with a set of accounts, and they have no legal right to see them, but if they ask there is no reason you can’t give them a copy especially if you have had to apply for probate and the will and probate become public records. 

You might not want to do this if you have not had to apply for probate and they are just being nosy to see what other people have been left.

cymruchris

Only residual beneficiaries (England & Wales) are permitted to see copies of final accounts. Anyone with a specific bequest (e.g. £1000 to Mrs Jones the butcher, £400 to my nephew Charlie) won't.