Do beneficiaries of a person who died intestate have the right to look at financial documents and bank statements at the date of death?

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Do beneficiaries of a person who died intestate have the right to look at financial documents and bank statements at the date of death?

Or does the Personal Representative need to furnish us with a detailed list of assets at time of death?

Asked on October 19, 2013 under Estate Planning, Massachusetts

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 10 years ago | Contributor

I am so sorry for your loss.  Generally speaking, the actual documents are not provided to the beneficiaries. The probate petition should list the assets and there should be a formal accounting by the personal representative.  If, however, you suspect that there has been some form of breach of fiduciary duty such as fraud you can bring a proceeding that would allow for an in depth review.  Good luck. 


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