Does each beneficiary have a legal right to demand a proper accounting of the estate?
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Does each beneficiary have a legal right to demand a proper accounting of the estate?
My mother-in-law passed a few years ago and her house went up for sale. There was a 50k mortgage on the house at the time. When the house finally sold for 128k my husband got a check for a little over 2k there are 4 kids Shouldn’t each beneficiary get a full accounting of where the money went? I would think that a showing of expenses along with receipts to verify such would be available for examination. What rights does my husband have in demanding to see the expenses?
Asked on April 17, 2012 under Estate Planning, Washington
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss. Although it does sound a little strange that he would only get suh a small amount, there are other expenses in an estate such as funeral expenses, credit card debt, medical expenses and tax liability that can eat up proceeds. I would take a look at the probate file first and see what is in there. You husband can indeed demand an accounting and your state may require one anyway. Some states do not. Just check. Good luck.
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