Madison Heights, MI asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Michigan

Q: My father passed in 2021 and I'm executor of estate. My sister wants copy of his taxes, do I have to give copy to her?

The estate has been completed and payments given to everyone. His original taxes for 2022 have been filed and are kept with the rest of his records in a safe. Do I legally have to give her a copy?

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: Most likely yes. You have a duty to act in the best interests of the estate and heirs and devisees. You also have a duty to provide reasonable information about the estate and estate property to the heirs and devisees of the estate, especially information pertaining to the financial condition of the estate and financial interests of the heirs and devisees. If you refuse to turn it over, a probate judge can order you to give your sister the information. You could fight it in court, but if you lose you may be on the hook for not only your attorney fees but also your sister's as well.

Brent T. Geers agrees with this answer

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