No Will....Bank Administrator

[Weazer]

What is the name of your state? Illinois.

A relative died without a will. There are 5 heirs. Since none of the heirs felt qualified to handle the estate, due to the complexity, a national bank's trust department was appointed as administrator. This was agreed upon by all heirs.

We were told that the valuable antiques would be moved to a warehouse for auction rather than auctioning them with the rest of the household effects.

When asked where the warehouse was located, the bank administrator stated he didn't know. He is aware that I have digital photos of all the antiques and a written inventory.

Is it within our rights to demand to know where the antiques are to be taken for auction and may we demand access to physically inspect the antiques, at the warehouse, before they are sold?

 

[Dandy Don]

Why would you want to inspect the items?

A better question to ask the adminstrator is what is the name of the firm that will be doing the auction and the time and date of the auction. If he can't or won't give you the answer to that, then talk to the vice-president or president of the bank to report his lack of cooperation. Obviously you are trying to make sure that the antiques are not stolen or diverted for some other purpose.

 

[Weazer]

Thanks for the response. We have been told by others not to totally trust the guy from the bank. Things have disappeared from various estates.

 

[Dandy Don]

Check his credentials with the local state bar association to try to find out if he is an attorney or has other ethics charges pending against him and it also might be wise to check county police records to see if he has had any criminal charges filed against him.

If you find out the name of the auction company and the address where the auction is held, you can usually visit that location on the same day that the auction is held (hours in advance of the actual auction start time) or a few days earlier to review the items up for auction, sometimes even by appointment.