What to do if my sister, the executor of my parents’ estate, has asked me to sign a document which lists many items for which I “waive my rights”?
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What to do if my sister, the executor of my parents’ estate, has asked me to sign a document which lists many items for which I “waive my rights”?
She says that this is a formality to close the estate. I have recieved no information as to assets, liabilities, accounts, money, etc. from her. I have received about $9400 with no explanation of any sort. What is going on here? If she is asking me to waive these rights, doesn’t that mean they are my rights? How do I go about getting this information about the estate? The attorney does not return my calls and neither does she.
Asked on November 14, 2012 under Estate Planning, North Carolina
Answers:
Catherine Blackburn / Blackburn Law Firm
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
As a general rule, no one should sign a document they don't understand. If someone is not explaining what is happening, then don't sign the documents. If they want the documents signed, they will have to explain it to you.
Most states require estate representatives to file a written "accounting" at periodic intervals. The accounting lists assets, liabilties, etc. As a beneficiary, you should be entitled to see it and should call the probate court to find out how you get a copy or can see the file.
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