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Hi
Firstly I am in the UK
We lost our mother last year and along with my wife I am a coexecutors. Other members of the family rarely visited mum unless to argue with her or ask for money. Yeah I know you cant choose your family etc. Trust me I would wish to ask for a refund or credit note in my case.
I spoke to mum every day and was always there for when / if she needed anything. As soon as she passed, the very next day, my sister asked a family member to find out what was in the Will. I was shocked but not surprised as I understand that death brings out the very worst in people.
So my wife and I were left as executors and as I am certain you all agree it can be a massive amount of work to administer an estate. Probate was not required.
We alone had to empty and document a three bedroom council house as quickly as possible. My sister visited once after asking for a picture but left with other items without permission as if it was a bring and buy sale and was heard to say, "we will take this as they sell well" and now refuses to return the items including personal photos.
I have searched the internet and believe that as executor it would be reasonable to give "items in Lieu of Cash" and then distribute the cash removed from her as a residual bequest to even up the division. Is this correct. I have tried several times to have her return the items but all she does is send a threatening letter threatening legal action if she doesn't get her share ASAP, what she fails to consider is she is the causing the delay.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Firstly I am in the UK
We lost our mother last year and along with my wife I am a coexecutors. Other members of the family rarely visited mum unless to argue with her or ask for money. Yeah I know you cant choose your family etc. Trust me I would wish to ask for a refund or credit note in my case.
I spoke to mum every day and was always there for when / if she needed anything. As soon as she passed, the very next day, my sister asked a family member to find out what was in the Will. I was shocked but not surprised as I understand that death brings out the very worst in people.
So my wife and I were left as executors and as I am certain you all agree it can be a massive amount of work to administer an estate. Probate was not required.
We alone had to empty and document a three bedroom council house as quickly as possible. My sister visited once after asking for a picture but left with other items without permission as if it was a bring and buy sale and was heard to say, "we will take this as they sell well" and now refuses to return the items including personal photos.
I have searched the internet and believe that as executor it would be reasonable to give "items in Lieu of Cash" and then distribute the cash removed from her as a residual bequest to even up the division. Is this correct. I have tried several times to have her return the items but all she does is send a threatening letter threatening legal action if she doesn't get her share ASAP, what she fails to consider is she is the causing the delay.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
