Burbank, CA asked in Probate for Texas

Q: Can I take the Executor to court if hes not doing things correctly?

The will states that if I contest or attack the will I lose my inheritance. It also states that we can no go to court over the administration of the estate other than all the filings the executor has to file with the court. But can I take the executor to court if hes being fishy about things? He tried to cut me a check before he has even paid off all the debts. He wont give me any details. I just found out that 15 months after he became executor I can request paperwork, if he doesn't produce it within the 60 days is that cause for court? I just want proof that the figures are right. I dont trust him. What are my rights here?

Related Topics:
3 Lawyer Answers
Terry Lynn Garrett
PREMIUM
Answered

A: Some Wills allow the executor to make distributions before paying all the creditors. You might want to review the Will before concluding that the action was "fishy." If an executor does not provide an accounting, you may hire an attorney to file a Motion for an Order to Show Cause. If the Court issues an Order to Show Cause, the executor can explain to the judge why he or she has not produced the accounting. This may or may not lead to the executor being removed.

A: I will add that there is good Texas Law that establishes that it is not a "will contest" to challenge wrongdoing by the executor. Definitely talk with a probate attorney to see what you can do. If it has been 15 months, it would be a good idea to do the Demand for Accounting.

A: I suggest speaking with a probate attorney regarding your options.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.