Greedy siblings are often unaware that when they steal money or property from an estate, they take an inheritance from their siblings, cousins, other relatives, or even other family members. The best way to handle a greedy sibling is to secure assets straight away, taking inventory and securing from stealing.
If at all possible, make a plan right away for how and when things will be handled. Agree on a time frame to all sit down together to go over the will, discuss next steps, and ensure everyone is on the same page. Make a plan for regular updates and communication between family members.
Where the executor has not paid the legacy to the beneficiary within 12 months from the date of death, the beneficiary is entitled to claim interest until the legacy is received.
Typically, asset holders do not require Probate where an asset has a value of less than $50,000, however, sometimes the threshold is $20,000.
If there is unreasonable delay however you should write to the Executor, pointing out his obligation to keep all beneficiaries updated on the progress of managing the Estate. You can also demand that the Executor provide an “account” of the Estate which should outline how much you are due to receive.
Even though we're all certain to die one day, most people can leave the planning to the last minute, or not at all. This failure to plan is one of the most common reasons some families fall apart when a loved one dies. A combination of heightened emotions, financial strain, and grief causes estrangement in families.
Those left behind are grieving and emotional. At the same time they must deal with having to make final arrangement for their loved one. This can often involve making difficult decisions. All this can cause tensions to come to a head which leads to arguments and disagreements.
The most common reason for conflict after a death is down to money. Perhaps there are disagreements on how an estate should be handled, what to do with property, or who should get what from the estate. If everyone feels entitled to more than they are getting, it can be difficult to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
Greedy people look at the world as a zero-sum game. Instead of thinking that everyone would benefit as the pie gets larger, they view the pie as a constant and want to have the biggest part. They truly believe that they deserve more, even if it comes at someone else's expense. Greedy people are experts in manipulation.
People who are greedy are a little too interested in having something. Usually, that something is money. Rich people who keep trying to get more and more money are often accused by being greedy. A gluttonous person is greedy for food.
You should consider a trust litigation attorney the moment you suspect a brother or sister is stealing your inheritance or assets from the estate. Often a trust attorney can quickly begin communications with the suspected sibling and/or their attorney, and resolve the theft quickly.
Some siblings consistently behave in toxic ways and refuse to put a stop to the cycle of sibling abuse. Their refuse to respect your boundaries and continue to push. For example, they always ask for your help for more than you can give, and when you refuse they emotionally blackmail or guilt-trip you.
They might close their eyes frequently or they might be half-open. Facial muscles may relax and the jaw can drop. Skin can become very pale. Breathing can alternate between loud rasping breaths and quiet breathing.
Often, a sibling will start a dispute over an inheritance simply because they feel like their other inheriting siblings get unfairly good treatment compared to them. For example, they may feel like they deserve a bigger portion of an estate, or they may feel left out entirely.
In grief, we need the stillness of alone time to feel our feelings and think our thoughts. To slow down and turn inward, we must sometimes actively cultivate solitude. Being alone is not the curse we may have been making it out to be. It is actually a blessing.
Profound grief can change a person's psychology and personality forever. The initial changes that occur immediately after suffering a significant loss may go unnoticed for several weeks or months after the death of a loved one or other traumatic experience.
Since every estate is different, the time it takes to settle the estate may also differ. Most times, an executor would take 8 to 12 months. But depending on the size and complexity of the estate, it may take up to 2 years or more to settle the estate.
Then under rule 44.2(2), if the court decides to make an order about costs, the general rule is that the unsuccessful party will be ordered to pay the costs of the successful party, but the court has discretion to make a different order.
Can an executor of a will take everything? No. An executor of a will cannot take everything unless they are the will's sole beneficiary. An executor is a fiduciary to the estate beneficiaries, not necessarily a beneficiary.