QUESTION
Can I contest deductions from my inheritance if the other two heirs already received their money out of the estate?
Asked on Dec 30th, 2013 on Estate Litigation - New Jersey
More details to this question:
My sister,my niece and are the heirs to my mother's estate.My brother-in-law is the executor. Since the sale of my mother's home,my brother-in-law has already paid my sister and niece their share of the money.I have not seen the list of deductions taken out of my share yet nor do I know what my share is yet. Can I contest the deductions from my share if I disagree after I see the list if the money has already been paid out to the other two heirs?
1 ANSWER
2 Awards
You can absolutely demand an accounting of the estate to see the expenses that were paid and the distributions made. It is not good practice to pay some of the beneficiaries and not all of them, especially since those that were paid are family members of the executor. You should make a "formal" demand for an accounting, do it in writing, and put a time limit on it like 20 days. If the executor does not provide an accounting, or any response. you should contact the probate office in the county in which your mother's estate was admitted to probate, and ask about filing a claim against the estate. Good luck.
Answered on Jan 07th, 2014 at 8:49 AM
Diana L. Anderson, Certified Elder Law Attorney This response is not legal advice and does not establish any form of attorney/client relationship