Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Virginia

Re: Questionable Handling of Estate

The alleged heirs should send a letter(certified-return receipt requested) to the attorney handling the estate to forward a copy of the will

and any other documents relevant to any major transactions involving the estate.

If the attorney fails to comply, the heirs can then contact the court official who oversees the

probate of estates in that state (known as a commissioner of accounts in Virginia)who should be able to provide some assistance to the heirs with these matters.

It is doubtful that the Internet would be of any use in providing the type of information which the heirs are seeking.

Re: Questionable Handling of Estate

Mr. Hendrickson is correct. I just wanted to clarify a couple of points. In what State did the deceased relative live at his or her death? Laypersons are sometimes a little casual about that deatil. Even if YOU live in Virginia, you need to get legal advice from an attorney in that State if it is not Virginia. Also, if the relatives are actually heirs in the will, they should certainly be getting copies of the inventory and report, etc. But be careful that this is actually true. It may be for example that if a relative is only getting a specific gift like $1000 they might not be entitled to all information about the estate. But any general heir had better be kept informed or the attorney could be in trouble with the Commissioner of the Accounts.