Q: Can an estate attorney refuse to have a (paid) Will review meeting with a named beneficiary and family member ?
The attorney that executed my mother's last will is refusing to meet with me for a review of the will. They are claiming they do not represent me, that I have to meet with my brother who is the Executor, and is also a named beneficiary. My brother is not an attorney. I believe the attorney is stonewalling me on this request as I am fairly certain he is afraid of my brothers' retribution.
My purpose is to ensure that terms of the will are enforced, not to challenge any beqeaths.
A: At our law firm we do not talk to beneficiaries, only with the executor that hired us. We advised beneficiaries to look for their own attorney and legal representation.
Gregory Christopher Poulos and Robert P. Taylor agree with this answer
A: Yes, if he's attorney for the executor he should not be giving you legal advice. It would be a conflict of interest. You should consult with another, independent attorney.
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.