Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts
Distributing assets of estate
My mother died 6 years ago and the only asset in her estate was shares of stock. Her Will named her 3 children (myself and 2 siblings) as beneficiaries. My sister is executor and for reasons unknown, she refuses to change the ownership of the stock and distribute it. The newspaper posting was accomplished in 2003 and I rec�d notice from her attorney.
I have no communication with either sibling but suspect that they communicate with one another.
Doesn�t she have a fiduciary responsibility to distribute this asset? Should I contact my attorney? I am a senior citizen and I want my affairs in order.
Thank you.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Distributing assets of estate
it is certainly reasonable and appropriate for you to investigate what is going on with the estate. There may be a reason for the delay, including the fact that there is litigation pending against the estate that may affect the amount that may be distributed from the sole asset. I highly recommend that you engage an attorney, who can aggressively press for your sister to at least file an interim account (as is required annually under the law).