An executor is untrustworthy. How do I protect my inheritance?

From our “Ask a Question” mailbag: I am a beneficiary in a will that has been through probate. Unfortunately, the executrix is very untrustworthy, and I feel that she has been spending all the money in the deceased’s accounts. Neither she, nor her attorney, have provided me with any accounting of any accounts. Is there any way that I could freeze the accounts before all the money is spent?

Executors in Pennsylvania are given a great deal of power to act on their own, without court supervision. This works well when the Executor is honest, as the estate can be managed less expensively. If the Executor is untrustworthy, though, this system can fail unless the beneficiaries enforce their interests.

In your case, we can file a Petition for Accounting with the Orphans’ Court and obtain assurances that the estate assets are secure. If the Executor will not provide us with these assurances, the judge has the power to order the estate assets frozen or even remove the Executor and replace her with a neutral party.

If you have any other questions about Executor Accountings in Pennsylvania, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation.