apportionment of legal fees between an estate's beneficiaries

[MyGracie]

My sister and I will receive the residue of our mother's estate but the biggest share of the estate goes to our brother. The solicitor is charging all legal and accounting fees against the residue of the estate. Therefore our brother makes no contribution towards these costs. Is this correct?

[lukewarm]

It depends what the will says.

If it says your brother is to receive a fixed legacy,say £10,000, or 'the house', then he will get exactly what the will says.

If you and your sister are residual beneficiaries then I am afraid you get 'what is left' after all the other estate costs have been paid off.

(Residue - that which is left of an estate after payment of debts,charges and legacies)