If you are the executor of an estate, communication will be one of your responsibilities when the time to assume your duties comes. You should keep beneficiaries and interested parties reasonably informed.
Here is what you should communicate:
Their place in a will
You should contact all beneficiaries to inform them they are in their loved one’s will. Beneficiaries have the right to know this and also to request a copy of it. You can notify a beneficiary of their place in a will using different methods, but sending a written notice may be the most suitable option.
Information about the estate
Beneficiaries and interested parties should be informed about the estate’s value, debts associated with the estate, how you plan to pay debts and so on. You don’t need to inform them about every aspect of the estate or every move you make but ensure their questions are answered satisfactorily.
Information about the probate process
If your loved one’s estate goes through probate, you should inform beneficiaries and interested parties about the process. You don’t want to keep them in the dark when you are going through a complex legal process or any other issue that can affect the estate.
What can happen if you don’t communicate effectively?
If you don’t communicate effectively and timely with beneficiaries, they may believe you are hiding something. If they are really concerned, they may even ask the court to remove you.
Being an executor can be challenging. But communicating with beneficiaries and other interested parties can make your work more manageable. You should also get legal help to avoid costly mistakes when assuming your duties.