Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York
My mother dies barely a week ago and both my sister and I are joint executors of her estate. My sister wants me to relinquish my executorship so she can be the only person in charge. She claims she will waive her fee, but I don't see how this benefits me. Is it wrong for the two of us to be joint executors?
2 Answers from Attorneys
There is no reason why you should not serve as a co-executor with your sister unless you don't want to. After all, it was your mother's wish that you both serve as fiduciaries of her estate.
I agree. Children are usually jointly appointed, unless it is difficult or there is some reason one cannot or does not want to serve. I caution you as to your sister's motives in requesting this. If she had access to Mom's accounts (bank or credit cards) I would check them carefully.