Family selling estate items before Will is read

[Abraham123]

Hello,

I have a question about the legality of selling items from an estate that is currently still in probate.

Basic story is Aunt died 11 months ago and her brother in law is the executor. Recently some of the family members have mentioned buying jewellery from the Aunt's estate and this is causing some concern to other family members who were not given an opportunity to purchase the jewellery themselves. What happens when the will is settled if one of the recipients wants the jewellery back?

Thanks in advance,

A

 

[Palerider]

The Executor has sole responsibility for realisation and ultimate distribution of all assets, Is he / she aware of what is occuring..?...some of the items you list could appear in the will right..?, I would have a word with the Executor as the starting point, there is no harm in expressing your point of view.

It is not the executors decision to allow people take what they want to and even pay for it prior to completing his / her role as Executor, it can be an onerous task to keep people happy, it may well be that the jewellery ends up at Auction, if it does it is free to all to bid with proceeds travelling back to the Estate for distribution in accordance with the directions in the will.

 

[Abraham123]

Thank you!