Hi all. My cousin lost a friend tragically, a few years ago. Right now she's almost suicidal. Her friend left a big portion of his estate to her and some other friends and family. They have been having huge difficulties making any progress with getting the estate wound up and the executor basically just ignores them. He did register with the master of the supreme court and they've seen a draft L&D account statement, but the few documents he's supplied don't add up. Possible fraud. From what I can gather the beneficiaries have had at various times engaged at least two different lawyers. Every time they get a lawyer to assist, all that happens is that the lawyers correspond with the beneficiaries and amongst themselves and then bill for all the time, without ever making any progress or getting a full accounting of what is happening with the estate. Is this normal? When my cousin tells me what's been happening I find it hard to understand why their (expensive) lawyers seem to be so laid back about it all. Personally, I would have expected them to have taken a much more aggressive approach, given the lack of cooperation and gaps in accounting.
What courses of action should they take? Can they get the executor removed? Should they open a criminal investigation into missing funds? Should they contact the Master of the Court? If so, what would they do about it. Any help and suggestions would be massively appreciated.
What courses of action should they take? Can they get the executor removed? Should they open a criminal investigation into missing funds? Should they contact the Master of the Court? If so, what would they do about it. Any help and suggestions would be massively appreciated.