When the representative (executor) refuses to answer questions.

What rights are left to those named in the will when the rep. has refused to answer questions regarding inventory of the estate, his salary, or the breakdown of funds to be dispersed?

What state are you in?

Keep in mind that the personal rep works under the supervision of the court and likely does not have to answer your questions. If the personal rep makes the required filings with the court and issues any required notices, he/she can ignore your questions.

That said, if you want to push it, you petition the court for what you want.

representatives and inventories...

Thanks for your response. The estate situation is in the state of Washington. After many attempts to gain information regarding the inventory etc., the rep has continued on without feeling the need to respond in a timely and appropriate fashion. Below is a copy of the states guidelines in regards requests from heirs. Interesting that it does not seem to be of interest to the representative.




RCW 11.44.015: Inventory and appraisement ? Filing ? Copy distribution.

RCW 11.44.015
Inventory and appraisement — Filing — Copy distribution.


(1) Within three months after appointment, unless a longer time shall be granted by the court, every personal representative shall make and verify by affidavit a true inventory and appraisement of all of the property of the estate passing under the will or by laws of intestacy and which shall have come to the personal representative's possession or knowledge, including a statement of all encumbrances, liens, or other secured charges against any item. The personal representative shall determine the fair net value, as of the date of the decedent's death, of each item contained in the inventory after deducting the encumbrances, liens, and other secured charges on the item. Such property shall be classified as follows:

(a) Real property, by legal description;

(b) Stocks and bonds;

(c) Mortgages, notes, and other written evidences of debt;

(d) Bank accounts and money;

(e) Furniture and household goods;

(f) All other personal property accurately identified, including the decedent's proportionate share in any partnership, but no inventory of the partnership property shall be required of the personal representative.

(2) The inventory and appraisement may, but need not be, filed in the probate cause, but upon receipt of a written request for a copy of the inventory and appraisement from any heir, legatee, devisee, unpaid creditor who has filed a claim, or beneficiary of a nonprobate asset from whom contribution is sought under RCW 11.18.200, or from the department of revenue, the personal representative shall furnish to the person, within ten days of receipt of a request, a true and correct copy of the inventory and appraisement.

[1997 c 252 § 41; 1967 c 168 § 9; 1965 c 145 § 11.44.015. Formerly RCW 11.44.010, part and 11.44.020, part.]

Was your request made in writing? It would be to your advantage to quit pestering the executor about this since he is in the process of managing estate affairs. He will respond in appropriate fashion in due time. He is legally allowed an executor's commission determined by state law and he may not want to provide anyone with that information (you can get it elsewhere) since he knows the beneficiaries will probably disagree with whatever the rate quoted is and he doesnt' want the bother.