If I’m 1/4 beneficiary of parent’s estate, should I hire an attorney to represent my interest in my 1/4 share of the inheritance?
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If I’m 1/4 beneficiary of parent’s estate, should I hire an attorney to represent my interest in my 1/4 share of the inheritance?
I have 3 other siblings and executor is eldest sibling. I know there should be some money left over in the estate. I have “trust and communication issues ” with the executor. He does not communicate and is very secretive and I am concerned I will be left out or not get my inheritance.
Asked on June 5, 2013 under Estate Planning, New Jersey
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
How much money do you believe is at stake? An attorney for a matter like this will cost you (most likely; attorneys fees vary widely by lawyer and case/matter) anywhere from, say, $1,000 to $3,000 even if its a simple matter with no real wrongdoing... if your sibling is trying to cheat you, assume that your legal bills could exceed $10,000. Therefore, if you think that, perhaps, $30k, $40k, or more is at stake, it's worth getting a lawyer. On the other hand, if you think that you share might be worth only $5k, it's not likely worth hiring an attorney.
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