My dad passed sept 2012 I am a beneficiary in will the executors have yet to settle the estate I am not informed of anything I also would li...

Question

My dad passed sept 2012 I am a beneficiary in will the executors have yet to settle the estate I am not informed of anything I also would like accountability for the assets in estate am I able to get this an how ling can they drag this out

Answer

Its too soon. Most estates take 1-2 years. The executors may not necessarily be dragging this out. The executor cannot make a distribution of any assets because it would be at risk if there are outstanding claims. The executor also has to get approval from the tax authorities. Final taxes are not due to be filed until 4/15 with the IRS/PA Dept. of Revenue and there are also inheritance tax returns.

And you father only died in September! You do not indicate when the estate was opened and the executor appointed etc. The executor has 90 days to file an inventory of assets. Accountings get filed after 1 year and annually after that. If the estate will take longer than a year, they have to file status reports. Beneficiaries have to be give notice.

So what is the hurry? If, after review of the inventory or accountings, or if the executor is acting contrary to what was stated in the will or just not doing his/her job and something is not right, then consult with your own probate attorney who practices in the county/state where the estate has been probated. An executor can be removed if not acting properly. Also, if you disagree with an accounting, you will be given an opportunity to object to it.