I’m a beneficiary/heir of an estate and I feel I’m being left out of the process. What can I do?

If you're the beneficiary of an estate, it can be confusing to know what your role is in the process. In Texas, the process is relatively simple for beneficiaries because the state features independent administration. This means that the executor or administrator of the estate will usually go to court once and then their job is to collect assets, pay off any debts, and distribute assets to beneficiaries. So, as a beneficiary, there may not be much for you to do.
However, there are still certain things that you are entitled to as a beneficiary. You are entitled to a copy of the will and an inventory of the assets. You also have the right to know what's going on with the estate. If you're unsure about what's happening with the estate, you can always ask the executor or administrator for an update.
If you feel like you're being left out of the process, the first step is to reach out to the executor or administrator and ask for an update. Keep in mind that the executor or administrator may have other obligations, such as work or family, and may not be able to update you immediately. So, don't take it personally if you don't hear back right away.
In some cases, beneficiaries may need to take further action, such as going to court, if they feel that the executor or administrator is not doing their job properly. However, before taking this step, it's important to ask the executor or administrator for an update and get more information about the situation. It's also worth considering whether you need to hire your own attorney to help you navigate the process.
Finally, it's important to remember that the rules and regulations regarding estate beneficiaries can vary by state. If you're unsure about what your rights are as a beneficiary, it's always a good idea to consult with an attorney or legal expert who can provide you with more information specific to your situation.
---------
Strohmeyer Law is a law firm based in Houston, Texas, specializing in tax law, estate planning, and probate law.
Nothing in this video is specific legal advice for you. Watching or commenting on this video doesn't create an attorney-client relationship.
For more information, visit: www.strohmeyer...
Instagram: strohmeyerlawpllc

[@user-kc5qs6nf1y]

What if the dependent administrator has not notified any of the heirs that they are selling their deceased parents estate? And doing it without their consent?

[@strohmeyerlawpllc]

Yikes! Generally, a dependent administrator must have authorization to sell assets, and they'll need to account for what's happened to the estate to the court. This may be the time to reach out to a litigator who's focused on probate work to discuss your specific circumstances so you can get a better answer about what needs to be done.

[@crazys8506]

​@Strohmeyer Law PLLC I received some money from my family members estate, but do not trust the numbers the Executor told me. How can I get the exact amount the estate is worth?

[@strohmeyerlawpllc]

@@crazys8506 You'll need to discuss this with your own attorney--it sounds like there may be a larger issue that needs to be resolved with the Executor. Unfortunately, we can't give specific advice on something like this in a comment.

[@user-kc5qs6nf1y]

@@crazys8506 request receipts

[@mer58lin]

Heck, when my dad passed away years back my brothers and I ceased to exist in any way to the estate as far as his wife(our mother had passed away) and the system was concerned the "will" was not the "will" is what we were told. Shes gone now too,her time to damage is done.

[@maddiecrook107]

My daughter was left a 20% beneficiary of her friends estate. Its large because he received an 11.7 million dollar settlement 16 months prior to his death. It's been 7 weeks since his death and she's heard nothing from the executor. She's not even sure who it is since he had an attorney and a financial advisor. What should her first steps be? They've already sold his million + house at a huge loss.

[@strohmeyerlawpllc]

For a situation like this, she’ll need to get an attorney of her own licensed in the state where the probate is happening. The probate proceedings and the relevant paperwork should be available to review. She should also contact the decedent’s attorney and financial advisor for more information. I wish you and your daughter the best.

[@lisamcfarland8518]

I was told there was a will but have never seen it. How can I get a copy? It is a sibling and the estate was in another siblings guardianship.

[@strohmeyerlawpllc]

It should have been filed with the County Clerk. If you're a beneficiary in Texas, you are entitled to a copy or you can search on County Clerk's website for the document.

[@geminirising1]

I asked and she REFUSES TO RESPOND TO ME. What do I do now?

[@strohmeyerlawpllc]

You may need to get your own attorney at this point to protect your interests.

[@geminirising1]

@@strohmeyerlawpllc Well, my grandmother passed 10/22/23 in Virginia. I need to protect my inheritance now. 💔

[@strohmeyerlawpllc]

@@geminirising1 I'm sorry to hear that. I wish you the best as you move forward.

[@cartierwhite_lasvegas]

Get attorney in Virginia fast like now

[@janetsinclair2456]

Hi I’m the daugher of a decease mother,she left a will for me and her for grandchildren,she left a house in BrooklynNY and a house in Jamaica West Indies ,my son and daughter took charge of everything ,as my mothers daughter and my other two son we like sitting ducks waiting,I’m financially lacking in funds to proceed ,in need of help

[@strohmeyerlawpllc]

Oh that sounds terrible, and I’m sorry to hear that. You’ll need to reach out to an attorney in New York for assistance.

[@tabathaclinton1329]

I am a beneficiary and the the executor has double in profits and I have nothing is that legal?

[@strohmeyerlawpllc]

Unfortunately, I can’t give you a good answer based on this. You’ll need to work with your own advisor who is familiar with your specific situation.

[@shirleyservin4620]

What is the best way to ask for an update of the estate and does it need to be a notarized letter or can I send a message to her cell phone

[@strohmeyerlawpllc]

Unless things have gotten confrontational, asking nicely is the best bet. There’s no required formality. Adding the formality of a certified letter or a notarized document indicates an amount of underlying conflict. Talk with your own advisors about what is appropriate for your situation.

[@tabathaclinton1329]

Working out of Travis County

[@strohmeyerlawpllc]

I’m sorry-I don’t understand your comment.

[@basicprogrammer6147]

My father wrote a will naming me and my 3 sisters as heirs. His will names my mother as his first Personal Representative with me second, and so on. My father and mother created a trust. My father died. My mother has not provided a copy of the trust to me, but says that there is a power of appointment clause. She is using that clause to write me out of the trust. Can she?

[@strohmeyerlawpllc]

Very likely yes, and you'll need to consult with your own lawyer to determine what she can do, and how you can respond.

[@basicprogrammer6147]

@@strohmeyerlawpllc Wow. I wish she told me 20 years ago after my father died. I helped her for almost a decade, and then she decided she didn't need me anymore. Poof, gone. Some day, we will all be gone. And I will NEVER see my mother again, in this life or the after life. Never. Cunt.

[@basicprogrammer6147]

@@strohmeyerlawpllc Note: My new lawyer said that the judge must be allowed to look at the trust. That the judge will not take her or her attorney's word for it that the clause is in there. Furthermore, it is an AB trust, meaning that she can do whatever the hell she wants with her A portion, but she cannot alter the B portion. My own mother is a cunt. At 86; Go figure. What a way to exit life. For generations, I will make sure that she is known as the cunt who hated everyone.

[@Thankful305]

Very Similiar with my greedy sister who manipulates the conversations we have, always diverts and plays dumb when ask any questions, she has avoided me like the plague. I want answers! Can't I get a copy of my fathers will to put a stop to her manipulation?

[@basicprogrammer6147]

@@Thankful305 All wills are filed in the county where they were created. Once your father died, the will became public record, or at least it is public to children. Go to the county and let them know your relationship to your father. They will have to give you a copy. As far as a trust goes, that's different.

[@ShirleyAlred-fw2zw]

When will I receive life insurance from my deceased husband

[@strohmeyerlawpllc]

You will need to reach out to the life insurance company and work with your own advisors about this. I cannot provide advice in a KZbin comment section.

[@whatif493]

Can an ex-wife who abandoned the marriage supersede a beneficiary.

[@strohmeyerlawpllc]

Possibly, and it will depend on many circumstances. You’ll need to talk to your own advisor about your specific situation.