Beneficiaries have several rights during probate, including the right to request information about the estate and the probate process. However, this right is generally limited to certain information about the estate and its administration.
What information can they request?
Generally, beneficiaries have the right to request the estate’s personal representative to disclose or share with them the following information:
- The content of the will, if not yet provided with a copy
- Details of the probate proceedings, including the contents of the petition and the hearing dates
- An inventory of the decedent’s estate assets and the appraisal of their values
- Accountings of the estate assets, such as financial management and transactions
- Any developments in the estate’s administration
- A report of the final distribution proposal
It is important to know which information beneficiaries can request because there are limits to what they can demand during the probate process. For instance, privileged communications between the personal representative and the estate’s attorney, personal information unrelated to the estate and confidential information of other beneficiaries are some information that beneficiaries cannot demand from the estate’s personal representative.
Protecting beneficiary rights
Whether you simply need to understand your rights as a beneficiary or believe that you are not receiving the information you have a right to, it is advisable to consult with an attorney who specializes in probate and estate administration to ensure your interests remain protected during the process. This also allows you to make informed decisions and maintain your expectations as to what you can receive during the estate’s distribution.