The executor of a Will is an individual who is appointed to administer and distribute the estate according to the testator’s wishes. The power to administer the estate is given to the executor via a grant of probate issued by the Supreme Court. Executors must give their consent to be appointed to the position and must be over the age of 18. Due to the importance of the role, it’s no surprise that executors play a crucial part in the Will disputes process in New South Wales. In this article, The Will Challenge Lawyers team explores the responsibilities of an executor when a Will is being contested by claimants.
Duties of an Executor
Whether the executor is a trusted individual or a seasoned contest Will lawyer in Sydney, their responsibilities are:
- Identifying and locating the Will
- Organising the funeral
- Securing legal assistance to administer the estate
- Obtaining all necessary documents such as the death certificate and bank statements
- Insuring assets and identifying assets and liabilities
- Resolving disputes related to the Will or defending the inheritance
- Filing tax returns for the deceased and the estate
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries according to the Will
If you are an executor who needs help defending a Will, contact The Will Challenge Lawyers today and consult with experienced contested wills lawyers in Sydney.
Responsibilities of the Executor During a Dispute
When a Will is challenged, or a claim is made against an estate, it is the executor who is being sued. In such cases, the duties of the executor are:
- To stop estate distribution until the matter has been resolved with the help of a contest will lawyer in Sydney.
- To assist the court by making all relevant documentation available promptly
- To provide all necessary details related to estate assets and liabilities
- To avoid conflict of interest and withdraw themselves as executor if needed
Experienced Contested Wills Lawyers in Sydney
As the executor of a Will, you can be held personally liable if a dispute is ruled in favour of the claimant. To ensure that you and the estate you are charged with are fully protected, contact The Will Challenge Lawyers online and consult with a trusted contest Will lawyer in Sydney.
