When a loved one passes away, you may feel several emotions as a result. As this is a complex time for many, you may find that issues among inheritors of the estate left behind can arise, especially if the estate’s Executor is not fulfilling their duties or communicating with you. If you are the Beneficiary of a loved one’s estate, but the Executor in charge will not communicate with you, understanding your rights and legal options is critical. Keep reading to explore these matters further and learn why you should connect with a Medina, Ohio estate planning lawyer.
What Are the Obligations of an Estate Executor?
As the Executor of an estate, one of the primary responsibilities is to oversee and manage the assets left in the Will of the deceased. Generally, this will include investing them according to the wishes of the Testator, filing taxes for the estate, distributing assets to Beneficiaries, and maintaining the property until distribution can occur.
It’s important to understand that the Executor of the estate should be in communication with the Beneficiaries identified in the Estate plan or, if there is no Will, the Beneficiaries according to Ohio’s Intestate Laws of Succession. They must inform Beneficiaries of their interest in the estate after the Testator’s passing and must keep inheritors informed about the assets and debts as the process progresses.
It’s important to understand that in addition to failing to communicate, you may also have concerns if the Executor provides information that doesn’t seem right or per the deceased’s Will.
As a Beneficiary, What Are My Options if the Executor Doesn’t Communicate With Me?
If you are the Beneficiary of an estate and the Executor is not communicating with you or you have reason to believe they are withholding information, understanding your rights is critical.
Generally, if you believe that the Executor is not communicating with you, it is in your right to obtain legal representation. Working with an attorney can help you receive the information regarding the estate you are entitled to. In other circumstances, you may be able to petition the courts to remove the Executor from their role and appoint a new person to take over their duties.
As you can see, if you discover that the Executor did not notify you of the passing of your loved one or you have not heard from them regarding the estate of which you are a Beneficiary in a considerable amount of time, you should connect with the team at Krause Law. We understand how complex these matters can be, which is why our firm will do everything possible to assist you through these challenging times to help ensure your loved one’s wishes are met and you receive the inheritance intended for you. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for your rights during these upsetting and overwhelming times.
