Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Executor Issues??

My Grandmother passed away a little

more than 2 months ago. She had a

written will that named two

executors. Executor #1 recently

hired her own legal representation.

By doing this the lawyer that

developed the will, has stepped down

from his position representing the

estate, leaving executor #2 with no

legal representation. Why is this

possible? What does this mean for

the executor #2? I am a beneficiary

and also the only surviving blood

relative of the deceased and I am

concerned that the 1st executor is

not working in the interest of my

deceased grandmother.


Asked on 3/03/08, 8:35 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Mitchell Roth MW Roth, Professional Law Corporation

Re: Executor Issues??

A will nominates an executor. It is not binding and subject to court approval. You can apply for letters of administration yourself, to replace or eliminate one or both of the named executors, and in any case appear in the probate as an interest party and make sure the executor is performing his or her responsibilities. Anyone can be represented by a lawyer in the probate if they want. But, only one lawyer represents the estate. That lawyer may advise the executor, but not personally. A lawyer who drafts a will has no obligation to represent the estate in probate.

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Answered on 3/04/08, 12:38 am
Phillip Lemmons, Esq. Phillip Lemmons APC, Attorneys at Law

Re: Executor Issues??

There is rarely a good reason to have two executors. Since the fees will be divided, it may be impossible to find two attorneys willing to split fees. It causes more problems than it's worth. If the executors does something specific to damage the estate, then go in and have him or her removed.

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Answered on 3/03/08, 8:44 pm


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