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.
An estate beneficiary has a right to sue the executor or administrator if they are not competently doing their job or are engaged in fiduciary misconduct.
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.
If the concerns about the behaviour of the Executor still remain, you may be able to make an application to the Court to seek an Order for the current Executor to be removed.
Texas law allows executors to sell property without the beneficiaries' approval, which can be necessary to keep the estate solvent. However, this authority comes with the responsibility of ensuring that the sale is conducted in the best interest of the estate.
Standard Executor Compensation This is referred to as the five-and-five rule. However, there are limitations to this commission. It cannot exceed five percent of the gross fair market value of the estate being administered, and it is not applicable in certain situations.
Executor's Role and Timeline for Asset Distribution. In Texas, an executor is given up to three years from their court appointment to distribute assets, excluding those allocated to creditors.
Section 304.003 - Persons Disqualified To Serve As Executor Or Administrator (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person is not qualified to serve as an executor or administrator if the person is: (1) incapacitated; (2) a felon convicted under the laws of the United States or of any state of the United States ...
If an executor does not do their job the right way, the beneficiaries of the Will can potentially sue for “breach of fiduciary duty”. In that instance, the executor can be held personally liable to all of the beneficiaries under the Will.