Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts

executors of a will

Hello. I am writing to ask -- are the executors of a revocable trust last will and testament bound by law to give to each beneficiary his/her due. A former employer of mine has left me something in her will but the executors of the will are not what I would call ''fans'' of me. They never liked me or my work. Are they bound to give me my gift anyway? Also, is there a reason my employer's attorney will not tell me exactly what I have been left in the will? I have asked but received no reply. Do I have to wait until the will is executed?

Many thanks!


Asked on 4/23/09, 2:20 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Re: executors of a will

The short answer is yes. If there is something left to you in the Will and the estate has sufficient assets to pay you, they are obligated to pay you.

Without knowing more, they may or could be able to circumvent the Will. If you are named in the Trust, then they are obligated to act under the terms of the trust.

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Answered on 4/23/09, 2:24 pm
John Harmon The Law Office of John W. Harmon

Re: executors of a will

An executor has the legal obligation to honor the will as long as the property is in the estate, with few exemptions.

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Answered on 4/23/09, 2:42 pm
Joseph Murray Joseph M. Murray, Esq.

Re: executors of a will

Consider personally or through an attorney:

1) requesting a copy of the Will and trust from the Executor or their attorney;

2) Reviewing the Will at the Probate court where it becomes a public document once filed for probate;

Good Luck!

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Answered on 4/23/09, 5:24 pm
Joseph Murray Joseph M. Murray, Esq.

Re: executors of a will

Consider personally or through an attorney:

1) requesting a copy of the Will and trust from the Executor or their attorney;

2) Reviewing the Will at the Probate court where it becomes a public document once filed for probate;

Good Luck!

Read more
Answered on 4/23/09, 5:25 pm


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