Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with their estate administration can be a difficult and emotional process. If you are a beneficiary of a deceased estate, you may be relying on the executor to manage the estate’s affairs fairly and transparently. However, not all executors act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, and it’s critical to recognize the red flags that may indicate a problem.
Here are some common red flags to look out for when dealing with the executor of your loved one’s estate:
Communication breakdown:
If the executor fails to keep you updated on the status of the estate administration or fails to respond to your inquiries in a timely manner, this could be a sign that they are not acting in good faith.
Delays in administration:
If the executor is taking an unusually long time to complete the estate administration, it could indicate that they are stalling or attempting to conceal something.
Excessive fees or unjustified expenses:
If the executor charges excessive fees or incurs unjustified expenses, it may be a sign that they are not acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries.
Failure to distribute assets:
If the executor fails to distribute assets to beneficiaries on time or fails to follow the instructions of the will or trust, it may be a sign that they are acting in bad faith.
Conflict of interest:
If the executor has a personal or financial interest in the estate, such as being a beneficiary, this may indicate a conflict of interest and possible abuse of power.
Attend our Webinar on 17 March 2023
If you notice any of these red flags, it is critical that you take action to protect your and the estate’s interests. Attending our upcoming webinar “Managing Malicious Executors in Deceased Estate Matters” on 17 March 2023 is one way to do so. Click here to register.
This webinar will provide practical guidance and insights into identifying and managing malicious executors, covering topics such as:
- Understanding the Executor’s Role in the Estate Administration Process
- Recognizing indicators of malicious executor behaviour
- Conflict Resolution Techniques for Executors
- Legal repercussions of malicious executors
Don’t let a dishonest executor sabotage your loved one’s estate administration. Register for our webinar today to get the information and tools you need to protect your rights and interests. For more information on our deceased estates’ litigation service offering, click here
