Executor and beneficiary disputes
When the person administering an estate isn’t doing it properly, or isn’t doing it at all.
How we can help
- Advising beneficiaries on their right to information and accounts
- Challenging delay, self-dealing or failure to account
- Applying to remove and replace an executor or administrator
- Acting for executors facing unfounded criticism
- Resolving disputes over valuations, sales and distributions
- Pursuing claims for loss caused by an executor’s breach of duty
What happens next
- Tell us your role and what has or hasn’t been happening.
- We advise on your rights, and write formally to open matters up.
- Where necessary we apply to court to compel accounts or replace the executor.
Fees for this work
Charged hourly. Some costs may be recoverable from the estate depending on the outcome.
Common questions
Am I entitled to see the estate accounts?
Residuary beneficiaries generally are. Beneficiaries of a specific gift have more limited rights. Executors who refuse to account can be compelled to do so.
How long should administration take?
There is no fixed deadline, though executors are generally expected to distribute within a year where circumstances allow. Delays beyond that need explaining.
Can an executor sell estate property to themselves?
Not without proper authority or the agreement of the beneficiaries. Self-dealing is a breach of duty and the transaction can usually be set aside.
How do I remove an executor?
By application to court, showing that they are unfit, incapable, or that the administration has broken down. Courts do not remove executors lightly, so evidence matters.
Tell us what's happened
Confidential, reviewed by a solicitor, answered within one working day.