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Can an executor place a house for rent that is still in probate?
This question has two potential answers depending upon whether the executor is the one renting the property or the beneficiary designated to receive it under the will is renting the property. If you mean rented by the executor, it may be at any time as soon as the will is probated and an executor is appointed to act. (Or an administrator if there is no will.) Most states have a statute taken from the Uniform Probate Code that gives the executor possession and control over every asset of the estate during administration of the estate even to the exclusion of beneficiarires who are designated to receive the property. During administration only the executor may rent it out, but the executor retains the discretion to decide if renting it is beneficial to the estate. Thus, even though an executor has the power to rent it out, he or she does not have to do so and cannot be forced to do do by a beneficiary unless a court orders it. If you mean rented by the ultimate beneficiary, the beneficiary cannot rent it out until the executor formally transfers the property from the estate to the beneficiary even if the will explicitly gives the house to that beneficiary. Once it is transferred, it is no longer part of the estate and the executor has no legal right to possession or control, therefore no right to rent it out or refuse to rent it out. The transfer to the beneficiary might have to wait until final settlement of the estate just to make sure that it does not have to be sold to pay for debts or expenses. On the other hand, if an executor is reasonably certain that it is not needed for that, the executor may in his discretion transfer the property before finalizing the estate. I believe it is best to transfer the house as quickly as possible during administration as long as it is clear that there are sufficient liquid assets to pay for everything. That way the executor is no longer responsible for the safety of the asset and he or she has a happy beneficiary.
Can the executor of an estate also be a beneficiary?
Yes. It is common for a beneficiary to be also named the executor. The contents of a Will remain private until the death of the testator so the person who is named as executor may not be known until the Will is read. As the role of an executor is merely to distribute the assets of the deceased in accordance with the terms of the Will of the deceased, an executor will have no say in how the Will is prepared or to whom the assets should be distributed. Therefore, there is no legal reason why an executor should not be named as a beneficiary in a Will. In fact it is quite often preferable for a family member (and beneficiary) to act in the role of executor. That arrangement is frequently used in wills executed by husband and wife or life partners where each leaves the entire estate to the other and names the other as the executor.
Can an executor deny a beneficiary the keys to property listed?
Yes, as long as the key controls some asset of the estate like furniture and furnishings in the decedent's house, until administration is completed. Executors and administrators have the obligation to take into their possession and protect all estate assets They are the only ones entitled to possession of estate assets during that administration. Therefore, an executor may withhold from a beneficiary a key to a house even if the will gives the house to that beneficiary, but only for a reasonable amount of time needed to administer the estate.
Can someone collect funds from somebody's inheritance that claims to be representing that individual?
No, not unless the individual who is trying to collect the funds has some document that gives them the legal authority to act for the beneficiary. That document is most often a Power of Attorney. However, if the executor has the slightest doubt as to the authority of the person who is trying to collect the funds, she/he should insist on dealing with the beneficiary directly. Distributing funds to the wrong party would create liability on the part of the court appointed executor. You should consult with the attorney who is handling the estate.
If an individual gives property either real or personal to a beneficiary the beneficiary must pay an inheritance tax?
fiscal
What happens when a testator owned two cars and gives a gift of a car without specifying which one?
Generally, if the testator provided that the beneficiary was to receive one of her two cars and didn't specify which one, the beneficiary would get to choose. If there are objections made the court would have to decide the outcome.
If an individual gives property the beneficiary must pay an inheritance tax?
Fiscal Policy
Can the executor of a will refuse the responsibility and choice someone else as executor if the will named a second person if the first declined?
Generally, the first named executor cannot choose his/her substitute if the will names an alternate executor. We follow the decedent's wishes, not the executor's. The one exception could be if the will itself gives the executor the power to name a successor, which is pretty rare. Further, if the alternate executor has died or also refuses to act as the executor, the first named executor still has no power to choose a successor. Normally, in that situation, the person to handle the estate is chosen from among the residuary legatees, since they have the greatest interest in seeing the estate administered.
What is a probate letter?
It is a letter issued by the probate court. It gives the named individual the right to be the executor and represent the estate.
Can an executor of an estate sign a title when selling a deceased persons automobile?
It will likely depend on the state in which the administration is pending. In Texas, for example, the executor can sell the car (and indeed sign the title) only if (i) the Will gives the executor a power of sale or (ii) the sale is necessary to pay debts of the decedent or expenses of administration. Otherwise, the only action the executor can take is to convey the car to the beneficiaries under the Will.
What is an MT 103?
An MT 103 is an authenticated swift message whereby an orderer or ordering institution gives instructions to pay a beneficiary.
What recourse does a beneficiary have when the Executor gives away all significant belongings before the beneficiary has an opportunity to choose something?
Plenty... there is a whole body of law called "Equity" that grew out of precedent and became formalized in the UK, to protect the rights of beneficiaries, especially minors, incompetents and family members where there is no will written, or in contested wills and such. The law of many countries seem to follow English law on most general issues. To answer your question more specifically, are you a named beneficiary of the will, and are the items listed in the will per se? Are the items gifted to anyone specifically in the will, if not the items in question would presumably become what is known as residuary items and usually the residual items are proportionately spread amongst the multiple beneficiaries or given to the only beneficiary. Note however that in the calculation of the residual items, monies must first be deducted for estate taxes, debts, fees and expenses of the administration. If no money is available, personal items such as paintings, furniture etc could be sold to pay the estate's expenses. Any grievance on your part should be documented at the first opportunity and in the US you could discuss this and document your grievance with the District Attorney, or taken to a family or probate court (in USA) or in England to chancellory court. If the executor has taken action but say only after many years (eg 5 years after the death of the settlor), your case would be weaker. If the executor acted in concert with the other executors your case would be weaker. If the executor did this action without contacting any beneficiaries, your case becomes much stronger. If the executor gave items to non-family persons, and you are family, your case becomes strong. If the executor gave items to family members who are equal to yourself in relationship to the deceased settlor, (eg. you are one of many children) your case is still a good one, as you should have participated in the sharing.
