Hi, I really need advice on how to approach a situation as beneficiary under a Will.

[Max Security]

A friend who died a couple of years ago left me a pecuniary legacy of a few thousand pounds. The sole executor has been very uncommunicative for over a year, refusing to provide information about the estate's finances even though I am a residuary beneficiary in addition to the pecuniary legacy. Now, out of the blue, I have been sent the amount of my pecuniary legacy from the bank account of a limited company in which the deceased was a shareholder. Is this legal? I know it's unconventional, and makes me want to pursue questioning how the estate is being administered. However, if it is also not legal, then I am even more concerned. There are other shareholders in the company if that information helps.

[des8]

I doubt it is illegal although a trifle odd.
As a residuary beneficiary you are entitled to see the probate accounts, and it is good practice to keep such beneficiaries up to date with the progress of settling the estate .
You might like to ask the executor about this, and remind him that in respect of pecuniary legacies Interest is payable on legacies not paid within 12 months of death of testator (current rate o.1%pa !)

Do you know if the estate is particularly complicated? I ask as most estates can be settled within the year*

[Max Security]

Thanks, DES8. I know that the estate is not particularly complicated. There was a house which was sold last Summer, shares in this one company and everything else in bank accounts.