Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

Question in NJ regarding a named beneficiary's rights to Estate account bank statements as proof of what has been collected and dispersed. The executor has been uncooperative and not transparent. It has been 9 months since will was filed on a very simple estate ( house 360K and bank accounts 150K ).

I've requested a summary accounting but was provided only 3 deposit slips from accounts consolidated and an incomplete check register. This doesn't prove to me that additional deposits weren't made and gives me incomplete information on what monies left the estate accounts.

What should/must a summary accounting include and what supporting documentation ( bank statements, etc ) should/must be provided ?

What am I legally entitled to get from the executor without resorting to filing a complaint for accounting ?


Asked on 5/26/15, 9:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Robert Gleaner Robert A. Gleaner, P.C.

You are entitled to any and all documentation that is relevant to the completion of a formal accounting, including but not limited to bank statements, copies of bills to the estate, evidence of deposits showing the source of income, etc. However, absent the power of a Court Order, you apparently will not be able to get this informally. Accordingly, it appears to me that your only alternative is to file a law suit to obtain an accounting. It is always best to accomplish this with an attorney.

Keep in mind that this advice is based purely on the little bit of information that you have given to me. There certainly may be other factors that would change my opinion. Further, no one can rely on advice from an attorney who has not been retained. You will only be able to rely on advice from an attorney who you have actually retained. Good luck! Rob Gleaner

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Answered on 5/27/15, 3:36 am


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