The executor administers the estate
A beneficiary does not generally direct day-to-day estate decisions simply because they will inherit. The personal representative gathers assets, pays valid debts and taxes, manages property and distributes the estate according to the will and law.
The province’s wills and estates information explains probate and estate-administration basics.
Beneficiaries need enough information to understand administration
The exact information required depends on the stage and nature of the estate. Useful information can include confirmation of the grant, an inventory or description of estate assets, material liabilities, major transactions, interim distributions and eventually estate accounts.
A lack of instant updates does not itself establish misconduct. Persistent refusal to account, unexplained transactions or substantial delay may justify more formal steps.
Distribution may properly take time
Executors often need to identify creditors, deal with tax returns and clearances, sell property or resolve claims before final distribution. Estates with businesses, foreign property, litigation or tax issues can take longer.
A beneficiary considering pressure for immediate distribution should understand whether doing so could expose the executor or estate to unpaid liabilities.
When informal requests do not work
A written request that identifies the specific missing information is usually more useful than repeated general demands. If concerns remain, legal advice can help determine whether to seek directions, passing of accounts or another court remedy.
B.C.’s Supreme Court Civil Rules permit a person interested in an estate to apply for passing of the personal representative’s accounts. See the related executor accounting guide.
Do not confuse beneficiary rights with a challenge to the will
A beneficiary can question administration without challenging the will. Conversely, a spouse or child may have a wills variation claim even if the executor is administering the estate properly. Keep the legal issues separate.
Questions people often ask
Can a beneficiary see the will?
Access can depend on the circumstances and probate status. Once filed in a probate proceeding, court-record access rules may also apply.
Can an executor make an interim distribution?
Potentially, if sufficient assets can safely be retained for debts, taxes and unresolved claims. The executor must manage the risk to the estate.
What if the executor will not account?
A beneficiary may seek legal advice about a formal request, passing of accounts or other court relief.