My mother and step father recently died. My eldest brother was to act as executor of the estate. Not knowing the process, I asked my brother what was his plans on disposing of the ashes and distribution to the beneficiaries? We discussed a time and a place to scatter the remains. As of the remainder of the estate to be distributed, I am in question cause he refuses to give me copies of the estates distribution papers. What can be done in this issue?
Optional Information: Country relating to Question: United States State (if USA): Washington Already Tried: Asked the executor for this documantation, And was told no.
I am very sorry for your loss and also the way your brother is acting. I am not sure what you are wanting to know. It appears that there are two estates and I have no idea if they had a will or not or even which party died first. You can go to the probate court and obtain a complete copy of the probate file on both estates. It is possible that he has not even filed anything but if he did you should have received notices. He should have filed an inventory of assets with the court. The fact that he is not providing any information raises a huge red flag. Unless there was something he doesn't want you to know, then there should be no problem in providing you full information. Once you have the files from the probate court, you can contact a local attorney to sit down with you and go over the paperwork.
my mother died first and yes their is a will. I would think this is one estate but not sure. Also no probate filed and i`m not sure about inventory of assets. <My question is how would I proceed with given information?
If probate has not been filed, then you can go to the court on your own and file to be named the executor of the estate. The fact that he has no acted would be grounds for him not to be named the executor even if that is what the will says. You would normally have no standing to file to be the executor of your step father's estate.
Experience: Attorney with experience in wills, estates and trusts