Executor and Trustee Disputes

When someone dies the person who deals with the administration of the estate (the ‘personal representative’) will be required to gather in the assets, pay the debts and secure the estate property until it is distributed to the beneficiaries.

In a perfect world, those appointed will do so without controversy. In reality, that does not always happen, and you may have concerns about how the personal representative is handling your estate.

We can help you address the following issues:

• Determining whether the personal representative is fulfilling their duties promptly and effectively
• Assessing if the personal representative has caused any financial harm to the estate
• Determining whether certain assets should be included or excluded from the estate, such as lifetime gifts made by the deceased
• Evaluating if the personal representative is the right person to handle the estate administration
• Verifying the accuracy of the estate assets’ valuation
• Deciding how the estate assets should be allocated among beneficiaries

At times, it can be challenging when a personal representative is hesitant or incapable of fulfilling their role or if there are concerns about their impartiality. Additionally, when multiple personal representatives are unable or unwilling to cooperate, it can hinder the estate’s administration. In such situations, it may be necessary to seek the court’s intervention by submitting an application.

At Laceys, we offer professional guidance to resolve these concerns and ensure a fair and efficient estate administration. Let us assist you in protecting your interests and achieving a satisfactory outcome.