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Belligerent beneficiary
Hello all, just wonder if someone has any advice with dealing with a belligerent beneficiary at all, as its beginning to get more than a little annoying now?
Long story long, 2 executors of a will, both residual beneficiaries along with a further sibling who is also a residual beneficiary but not an executor.
This beneficiary has been awkward since day 1, demanding bank statements from before date of death and before Probate was granted, along with personal details of the buyer of the property. They have already been furnished with part accounts from date of death, until Christmas time, final Estate accounts have been pretty much drawn up now, remarkable considering from date of death to now has only been just over 3 months, Probate granted, house sold after being on market just a few days, DWP enquiry completed and bills 99.9% settled and money is sat waiting to be distributed to the residual beneficiaries. It has been a fairly simple estate to sort, mostly tied up in property that fell below IHT cap and no other real assets or cash. Both Executors and residual beneficiaries are happy with accounts, which is to be expected.
The 3rd RB is refusing to hand over bank details for payment, saying they have the right to do so until they decide the accounts are satisfactory to them and demanding a complete audit in a professional manner, they have been done on a spreadsheet, and tally up exactly with the cash in the bank, showing money in, and out since date of death, let alone Grant of Probate.
They were given free reign to take any sentimental momentos and anything else they wished from the property, and advised anything remaining behind would then be sent to charity or house clearance, which was the case given the fact the buyer wanted a quick completion, a company was employed to clear the property and grounds. They took more items than the executors put together, and they now expect a full inventory, however, most of the remaining items were of little or no value, a couple of items considered to be worth something were sold on ebay and proceeds after fees and postage have been added to the estate funds.
Once the 2 final outstanding bills have been paid, this will fully complete the estate and the residuary will be ready for sending out, but they are refusing to cooperate and generally trying to be as awkward as possible to prevent the estate being settled. There seems to be little advice online on what an executor can do in these cases, as both executors would just like to get this sorted and done with to get on with life as we have nothing to do with the belligerent beneficiary at any other time, so would prefer it to go back that way as soon as possible.
Any help, advice or pointers are gratefully received. Thanks in advance.
Long story long, 2 executors of a will, both residual beneficiaries along with a further sibling who is also a residual beneficiary but not an executor.
This beneficiary has been awkward since day 1, demanding bank statements from before date of death and before Probate was granted, along with personal details of the buyer of the property. They have already been furnished with part accounts from date of death, until Christmas time, final Estate accounts have been pretty much drawn up now, remarkable considering from date of death to now has only been just over 3 months, Probate granted, house sold after being on market just a few days, DWP enquiry completed and bills 99.9% settled and money is sat waiting to be distributed to the residual beneficiaries. It has been a fairly simple estate to sort, mostly tied up in property that fell below IHT cap and no other real assets or cash. Both Executors and residual beneficiaries are happy with accounts, which is to be expected.
The 3rd RB is refusing to hand over bank details for payment, saying they have the right to do so until they decide the accounts are satisfactory to them and demanding a complete audit in a professional manner, they have been done on a spreadsheet, and tally up exactly with the cash in the bank, showing money in, and out since date of death, let alone Grant of Probate.
They were given free reign to take any sentimental momentos and anything else they wished from the property, and advised anything remaining behind would then be sent to charity or house clearance, which was the case given the fact the buyer wanted a quick completion, a company was employed to clear the property and grounds. They took more items than the executors put together, and they now expect a full inventory, however, most of the remaining items were of little or no value, a couple of items considered to be worth something were sold on ebay and proceeds after fees and postage have been added to the estate funds.
Once the 2 final outstanding bills have been paid, this will fully complete the estate and the residuary will be ready for sending out, but they are refusing to cooperate and generally trying to be as awkward as possible to prevent the estate being settled. There seems to be little advice online on what an executor can do in these cases, as both executors would just like to get this sorted and done with to get on with life as we have nothing to do with the belligerent beneficiary at any other time, so would prefer it to go back that way as soon as possible.
Any help, advice or pointers are gratefully received. Thanks in advance.
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