As a beneficiary, you generally have several rights, which include but are not limited to the following:
Right to Information
Beneficiaries are typically entitled to be informed about the administration of an estate. This includes receiving a copy of the Will and being informed about the progress of the estate administration.
Right to see Inventory and Estate Account
Beneficiaries often have the right to receive a set of estate accounts from the executor or administrator. The accounts should detail all assets, liabilities, income, and expenditures of the estate.
Right to Inspect Estate Records
Beneficiaries can request to inspect the records and documents related to the estate. This includes financial statements, receipts, and other documentation that the executor has used to manage the estate.
Right to Challenge the Accounting
If beneficiaries believe there are discrepancies or issues with the accounting provided by the executor, they have the right to challenge.
Right to Fair Treatment
Beneficiaries are entitled to fair and impartial treatment by the executor or administrator. This includes the timely distribution of their share of the estate, according to the terms of the will or the laws of intestacy.
If an executor is not providing the necessary information or is suspected of mishandling the estate, beneficiaries have the right to issue proceedings. The court can make various orders to ensure an executor complies with its legal and fiduciary duties which are in place to protect the beneficiaries’ interests.
If you have any queries regarding administration of estates – please do not hesitate to make contact with us, where one of our contested estates specialists will have an initial, no cost, consultation with you to help provide you with peace of mind.
If you want to know more or want to speak to a member of our team, please get in touch below or call us on 01702 338338.
