Estranged executor

silversnail

My mum died in 2021, and most of her estate has been sorted out. We have become aware of a small number of shares she owned (BT), and I am beginning the process of selling them.

We three children are beneficiaries of the estate, and all three of us are executors. The problem is that my brother is now sadly estranged from my sister and myself (and indeed from the wider family). He obviously, as executor, should sign the forms. I can send them to the last address I have for him, but I know his intention was to use his inheritance to move house, so he may well not be there. He is self-employed, so I can't contact him through a work address, and he has blocked us on his phone/email etc.

Does anyone have any advice on how to proceed in these circumstances? I can't imagine such instances are uncommon.

Grumpy_chap

The Executors can act individually, though liability is joint and several.

Just sell the shares and then distribute the proceeds in accordance with the Will. Where have dividend payments since 2021 gone to? Is there another unknown account that also needs to be resolved?

Of course, if there is no contact for the Brother and he is a recipient of some or all of the proceeds from selling the shares, that distribution will be frustrated.

I assume the value of the share is low so there is no concern with regard to IHT, probate value, CGT since death. Have you checked that all the shares remain as BT shares and there have not been any share splits?

silversnail

Thanks for this. I thought all executors had to act together. Other institutions have insisted we had all 3 signatures, but it would be great if this is not the case.

kipsterno1

If he is self employed does he show up on a search of companies house? If so there should be a business contact address.

NedS

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82052201#Comment_82052201

Companies house only lists directors of limited (registered) companies, not sole traders (self-employed), so will not be listed if he is self-employed.

Savvy_Sue

If you have an idea of where he's moved, searching Facebook, NextDoor and other 'local' sites might track him down, IF he's advertising his services in those ways. Even LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok etc