Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Reimburseable expenses

I hope I can explain this right.

My grandmother passed away last October. The executor of the estate has asked each beneficiary to write a letter either requesting or refusing reimburseable costs to be shown to a lawyer, the lawyer will then decide if the cost has merit. Other beneficiaries and myself believe the executor is asking for airline costs for her family to be reimbursed. We think that should be a normal thing that family members would pay for and not expected to be reimbursed. The executor paid for tickets for her son and son-in-law to fly in for 24 hours even before my grandmother had passed away. I'm sure this was really expensive and she assumed they would be paid for. My sister and I arrived to see my grandmother first and were staying at her house prior to my aunt flying in. After my aunt arrived there were 10 people in my grandmothers house, so my sister and I ended up getting a hotel room and car. We think this is a normal expense to attend a funeral. So, if my aunt asked to be reimbursed for the tickets and nobody else does, will she get the money regardless and we were stupid for not trying to get it or if nobody else accepts for the cost reimbursement, will they tell her no?


Asked on 9/23/03, 7:27 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Olden Law Offices of Michael A. Olden

Re: Reimburseable expenses

those are not reimbursable as they were incurred before her death and did not involve the estate, especially her children --- there are other factors and if you wish to consult with me i am in the sf bay area at 925-945-6000

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Answered on 9/23/03, 7:57 pm
Scott Schomer Schomer Law Group

Re: Reimburseable expenses

Pre-death expenses are not reimbursable. You have the right to object to improper expenses sought by the exector and the court can disallow them. Feel free to contact our office if we can be of assistance.

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Answered on 9/23/03, 9:25 pm


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