Why delay filing papers?

[Zachary]

What is the name of your state? FL
Am involved in a unpleasant situation with my brother who is Executor of our fathers estate and he will not share any info. Have tried to find filings of any type, will, probate, letters of admin, etc. at county courthouse, but nothing has been filed since death in late March. Given the unpleasant situation, would there be any reason or strategy by my brother to have not filed anything by now? (Dandy Don... I hope you're out there.....) Thanks.

 

[Dandy Don]

DEAR ZACHARY:

This is somewhat irresponsible behavior on the part of your brother, but you must also understand that being an executor is a somewhat overwhelming job--lots of paperwork and details to attend to. Understandably you want some idea of what you are going to receive as a beneficiary, but in fairness you should allow a few more months for him to handle this estate. He can't honestly tell you what you are going to be receiving until taxes, outstanding debts, funeral bills, etc. have been deducted from the estate.

Maybe he knows that there might not be much of an estate left;
no one can really read his mind.

Talk to a local probate attorney to find out if the law requires that a will be filed within 30 days of the decedent's death, as many places do require.

At least ask him for a copy of the will (or have some other beneficiary ask him for a copy). Otherwise, you must just be patient until the situation plays out--eventually he will do something, since he won't get his executor fee or whatever he would be receiving as a beneficiary until the will is officially probated.

DANDY DON