Does an executor have to provide a copy of the Will and an accounting of the funds to the beneficiaries of the estate?

Answer 1

First remember that an executor has no power or authority until they have been appointed by the probate court. Once appointed they must file an inventory of the decedent's assets with the court. Eventually they must also file an account to notify the court of the disposition of all the assets reported in the inventory. The final account will show the costs of the administration of the estate, payment of all the debts and payment of all legacies.

Once a will has been filed for probate it becomes a public record. The heirs can visit the court at any time and request to see the case file and thereby monitor the activity of the executor. Everything the executor has filed will be in that case file and you can request copies of any document. The executor cannot keep secrets from the beneficiaries. A secretive executor sends up a red flag and they should be monitored closely. They can be reported to the court for mishandling the estate and they can be removed and replaced.

The beneficiaries have the right to know if the estate was handled properly, that all the filings in the probate file are accurate and no property is wasted or unaccounted for.

Answer 2

There is no good reason for the executor not to supply such information. Professional executors would provide such material as a matter of course. Once a will has been filed for probate it becomes a public record. You can visit the court in the jurisdiction where the decedent died and check to see if the will has been filed for probate. By doing that yourself, you can find answers for both of your questions. If a will has been filed you can request the file and review its contents.

Answer 3

Generally no. Generally the executor must file a final account. If the estate takes longer to settle then an account is generally filed each year. You would need to check the laws of your state.

Answer 4

Yes. The executor must account for all the property that came into their possession and where it all went.

Answer 5

It is not a legal requirement. However, that information is readily available from the court where the probate was filed. You can obtain copies by mail or in person.