Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

distribution of bequests

If a will directs all administrative fees be paid by the estate, does that include packing and shipping tangible items to distributees if they reside out-of-country? ...and storage fees if the items must be removed from the house prior to final distribution(house was held seperately in a trust and has been sold)

thank you


Asked on 9/22/06, 1:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Johanne Amonson Johanne L Amonson, Q.C. Prof Corp

Re: distribution of bequests

The general law specifies that the cost of shipping gifts to beneficiaries including packing costs are chargeable to the beneficiaries and not to the estate, ie. it's yours so come and get it. However your question says that administration costs are to be paid by the estate. It is a question of construction of the will and the intention of the maker whether or not administration costs include packing and shipping.There is an argument on both side here and no definitive answer can be provided with the information available. A court may have to answer that question.

Read more
Answered on 9/22/06, 2:25 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Probate, Trusts, Wills & Estates questions and answers in California