Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California
Is an estate beneficiary entitled to a full accounting of what has been left to them by the lawyer representing the estate, and if so must a beneficiary sign a Durable Power of Attorney to receive that accounting.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Definitely you are entitled to an accounting, even before any distribution takes place. A statement of inventory and accounting must be filed. Absolutely no power of attorney should be signed and it would be a conflict of interest if you signed one since the administrator has to represent the estate and can not represent anyone else involved in the case. Send an e-mail to him again as to your wanting the information and why should you sign a POA. If he refuses to give the information within a reasonable period of time and/or asks fo rthe POA, file a petition with the court to force him to provide the information, explain the POA request, possible removal of administrator, etc. You need to check to see he has not taken money from the estate.