Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington
If an attorney for an Estate has been informed that an Executor is out of control with Estate Assets, what obligations does the attorney have to the Beneficiaries, if any?
Asked on 5/07/13, 10:01 pm
2 Answers from Attorneys
Charles Cruikshank
Cruikshank Law Office-Since 1975
The attorney has ethical duties to advise the renegade personal representative (executor) and to withdraw if the personal representative continues. The attorney does not represent the beneficiaries as his clients and has little more than a duty of honesty to them.
Answered on 5/08/13, 4:59 am
Matthew Johnson
Johnson Legal Group, PLLC
I somewhat disagree. The attorney has a moral duty to advise the personal representative to withdraw. However, the attorney "may" (but is not required) to report the conduct if the attorney's services were used to facilitate fraud. Otherwise, all the attorney MAY do is withdraw from representation.
Answered on 5/08/13, 5:47 pm