Skip to Content

We are a Veteran Owned Business, providing 20% discounts for Veterans, First Responders, Elementary and High School teachers. Please contact us to set up a phone or Zoom meeting. Taking care of you and your family, It's What We Do!

As executor of my uncle’s estate, what do I do with his mountain of gay porn?

Posted on Wed Aug 19, 2015, on Probate and Estate Administration

From our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: Disposal of Personal and Private Estate Property

Most Recently Updated July 20, 2018.

“I was surprised to learn that my uncle named me executor of his estate, but now I think I know why. My uncle was a private guy. In opening up a storage locker he had rented, I found what I could only describe as a mountain of gay porn. My uncle was a single man who never came out. I think he knew that I would handle this discovery discreetly, as his sisters are very homophobic. If they knew about this locker they would be really upset. I was going to just dump the locker contents, but a friend told me that this stuff might be worth as much as $20,000. As executor of my uncle’s estate, what do I do with his mountain of gay porn?”

Disposal of Personal and Private Estate Property

Disposal of Personal and Private Estate Property

As executor, you have a duty to gather together estate assets for the beneficiaries. The porn you found is an asset, which might be worth a substantial amount. If you dump it into the trash and the beneficiaries find out and complain, you could then be found responsible for a $20,000 loss, be “surcharged,” and have to put your own money into the estate. It also seems your uncle chose you as executor because he was relying on you to be discreet. There is no requirement that you share the details of your discovery. If your uncle wished to keep his private matters private, you certainly can respect his wish.

I have a practical suggestion. It sounds like the heirs are not interested in receiving a “mountain” of gay porn. Instead, consider placing an advertisement on Craigslist for the locker contents and sell the lot to the highest bidder. By doing so, you will have fulfilled your duty as executor to secure the estate assets. If the heirs are not overly curious, you can simply add the proceeds from the sale to the estate account. The rest of the family will be happy to receive the cash. Feel free to contact me and we could brainstorm other options.

More Probate Questions?

Disposal of estate property is only part of the overall probate process. By all means, if you wish to learn more, please read my more detailed article, The Probate Process All You Need to Know.

In Conclusion: Disposal of Personal and Private Estate Property

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining disposal of estate property. Further, I included links to even more detailed information on my website. Therefore, please contact me and let me know how I did. Certainly, your comments and questions are welcome!

Let our Probate Lawyers help walk you through what can be a confusing process. To begin with, call to speak to one of our experienced Probate Attorneys.  By all means, our lawyers are ready to answer your questions. In fact, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation. Ultimately our goal is to make the process as painless as possible!

Wills, Trusts, Probate, and Estate Litigation, It’s All We Do

Tags:

Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Probate, Probate Attorney, Probate Lawyer

Peter KlenkPeter Klenk

What Our clients are saying

Klenk Law Logo
Stars

Michael Wolfgang

Peter and the whole team at Klenk Law are top notch. They are thorough, efficient and understanding of client needs. He was able to tailor our estate planning needs just how we envisioned.

Klenk Law Logo
Stars

Anne W.

I saw four lawyers and was told by all of them; I should just forget contesting my mother's will. I knew what happened, but it is very hard to prove undue influence. I contacted the Law Offices of Peter L. Klenk & Associates. Attorney Amanda DiChello took my case. They were very honest and upfront about what would be involved trying to prove what I knew was true. Attorney DiChello may be young but she is extremely knowledgeable and skilled. She listened and understood what I conveyed to her. She knew exactly what information to use and crafted an outstanding interrogatory and many powerful depositions. Attorney DiChello understood the various emotional feelings this case created for my family and me; she was always there for us with a kind and encouraging word. We went to trial. The amount of work which she and her Paralegal did for the trial was incredible. They both knew my case inside and out! Attorney DiChello's powerful interrogative and thinking skills produced a positive outcome. Attorney DiChello did what other seasoned lawyers said was impossible!

Klenk Law Logo
Stars

Ronald W.

Peter and his staff are very responsive and always willing to help my clients and in a cost efficient manner.

Klenk Law Logo
Stars

Brian M.

Peter explained a complex subject very clearly, helped us to decide the best approach to managing our estate and then made it very easy for us to execute the required documents. He will be a valuable resource for years to come and clearly has a great understanding of estate law that will lead to innovative solutions for us. I would unhesitatingly recommend him for estate planning.

Klenk Law Logo
Stars

Michael Patete

Surprisingly easy

Let us put our expertise to work for you.

Free consultation within 24 hours.