Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

My mother passed away in November 2010. I am the executor of her will, and every time I try to have an Executor's meeting, my siblings have excuses that they are busy or whatever. There are no assets, and I have given them copies of the Will, so is it necessary that they be present at a meeting, or don't I even have to have a meeting at this point? Obviously they have all read the will already.

thanks for any help...

anna marley


Asked on 6/02/11, 11:37 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

You don't have to have a "meeting", unless you are not the only executor and you're referring to a meeting with the other co-executors. You do have to continue and complete administration of the estate. The Surrogate's office may provide some guidelines of the steps you need to take.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

Read more
Answered on 6/02/11, 11:46 am
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

I agree with Miriam, that if you gave your siblings the proper Notice of Probate and a copy of the probated Will, this is all that is required. A formal "reading" looks nice in the movies or on TV, but is not required. There are things you need to do as Executor to handle and finalize the estate, both with your siblings and the Surrogate's office, even if this is a no-asset estate. You might need an attorney to assist in these legal requirements. This is a response to an Internet question and the reply is not intended to be legal advice or as creating an attorney-client relationship.

Read more
Answered on 6/02/11, 12:22 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Probate, Trusts, Wills & Estates questions and answers in New Jersey