Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Connecticut

Responsibilities of self-appointed Executrix

I am a beneficiary of an estate that consists only of a piece of residential property which belonged to my grandfather. My mother was the original executor, but she died before my grandfather. The alternate executor died within a couple months after my grandfather and before the estate could be settled. I was notified in writing by the lawyer handling the estate that the alternate was withdrawing from his duties due to a terminal illness. A cousin (not a beneficiary) who had been living with my grandfather somehow got appointed as executor - although I was never notified of the appointment (which doesn't matter to me so long as this is handled correctly). Now, 11 months after my grandfather died, my cousin is still living in the home and has not made any arrangements with realtors, etc., to sell the home and settle the estate although we (my brother is also a beneficiary - there is a total of 6 beneficiaries) have offered help in doing so. What are my rights? Can I legally press to get the house sold?


Asked on 3/22/03, 6:30 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Heffernan Heffernan Legal Group, LLP

Re: Responsibilities of self-appointed Executrix

She had to have been appointed by the court. However, you can seek to have her removed, or at the very least, ask for a status conference to be scheduled so the court will make her get off the dime and do something. You can also ask the judge to make her pay rent until it's sold (it wouldn't be full market rent, because there's a certain value to having a reliable tenant, but it would be something). Depending on which court it's in, we can handle this for you for $200/hour.

Read more
Answered on 3/24/03, 4:01 pm


Related Questions & Answers

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