Options to take action. If you think an executor isn't being honest or is otherwise acting improperly, there are steps you can take. First, try to resolve the problem directly with them or their lawyer. If this doesn't work, you may want to seek legal advice.
State law varies, but courts generally focus on what is in the best interest of the beneficiaries. A court can hold the executor personally liable and award damages. If the executor's conduct is bad enough, the court can award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
Given the magnitude of the responsibilities and the intimacy of the role, you may want to name a close friend or relative as executor, someone who fully understands and respects your wishes, as well as those of your beneficiaries, and who might handle your sentimental heirlooms and other property more sensitively than ...
Estates are often left without a bond if the executor does not have one before they die. The person must file with the court for creditors to be notified of the death, and then any claims against the estate must be satisfied. If no creditors come, then there is no need for a bond.
But in some circumstances, the probate court may require the fiduciary to obtain an executor or administrator bond. An administrator executor, fiduciary, or personal representative bond is a type of court bond required to safeguard the estate and ensure that the wishes of the decedent are carried out.
A: The general time limit for contesting a Will is a few months, usually four after the beneficiaries of the estate have been notified that probate will soon commence.
While each state is different, California generally requires your personal representative to be bonded. The only exceptions are when the testator's will expressly waives the requirement (and the court permits this to happen) or all the beneficiaries will agree in writing to waive the bond requirement.