What Can I Do When An Executor Is Refusing To Cooperate?

In this real-life case study, we look at what you can do when confronted by an uncooperative executor.

We offer a free 30 minute consultation on any contested will case, including situations when an executor is not co-operating.

This is a real life case study of a dispute we resolved when the beneficiaries of an estate felt that the executor was refusing to cooperate with them.

There were, in fact, ten beneficiaries, all of whom were inheriting as grandchildren of the deceased.

The executor of the estate was a retired accountant and a friend of their late grandmother. The beneficiaries had grown dissatisfied with his conduct. He was delaying the administration of the estate and failing to keep the beneficiaries informed. They were also concerned that he was selling assets at an undervalue and may have also been committing other breaches of his duty to the estate.

We were consulted by two of the beneficiaries who wanted to know what their options were when an executor is refusing to cooperate.

We advised them what the executor’s duties were and agreed to take up their concerns with him. We contacted the executor and highlighted the potential breaches of duty. We also made a formal request for key documents which the executor had been withholding.

Read our article on how to remove an executor.

The executor soon realised that if he did not cooperate with our enquiries, then there would be serious consequences. As a result, he provided the beneficiaries with all the information they wanted, which satisfied their concerns. He also promptly finalised the administration of the estate and distributed the assets to the beneficiaries.

Our clients and the other beneficiaries were delighted with the outcome and very pleased to finally receive their inheritance.

This case study illustrates that formal court action is not always necessary when an executor is refusing to cooperate and that sometimes all it takes is a robust letter from a specialist solicitor to remind an executor of their duties.

Why you can trust us to handle your case

Our solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and abide by the SRA Code of Conduct.
Our team specialises exclusively in contested wills and probate disputes.
We have a proven track record of success.
The Law Society has awarded us Lexcel accreditation for excellence in client care.
We represent clients throughout England and Wales and also assist clients based overseas.
Our contentious trusts and probate solicitors are recommended by the Legal 500, the independent guide to leading UK law firms.
We have a 5-star rating on ReviewSolicitors, with more than 1,800 independent client reviews.
Members of our team belong to ACTAPS, the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists.
We offer a range of funding options, including No Win, No Fee, ‘pay at the end’ and fixed fee schemes.
We provide a free 30 minute initial consultation with a member of our specialist contested wills team.

So, if you are the beneficiary of an estate where the executor is refusing to cooperate, then contact our helpline for a free 30 minute consultation to discuss your options.

What can I do when an executor is refusing to cooperate?

Client Testimonials

“Executor dispute and contentious Will mediation”

I was in a difficult position with a co-executor that left the estate idle and Slee Blackwell were excellent in navigating a resolution to achieve the appointment of an independent PR. In addition my father’s Will was being challenged by one of the beneficiaries against the largest recipient of the estate and Naomi Ireson was very solid in her advice and helped to arrange a successful mediation. Naomi was ably assisted by Sharnie Jenkins in this matter. “Executor dispute and contentious Will mediation”

“Expertise and Understanding”

I was tentative about making enquiries from Australia with a UK group of solicitors, Slee Blackwell, about a claim on a deceased estate there as an ex-spouse. Right from the get go I was treated with respect and expert advice with Kristi. Anya was instrumental in guiding me through the whole process and I was very impressed with her expertise and obvious knowledge of the situation. If I lived in the UK I wouldn’t hesitate to use this firm again. Thank you to Anya and her team. “Expertise and Understanding”

“Positive experience”

I contacted Kristi regarding an inheritance matter and she was swift to respond and the issue, which has been ongoing for three years now, was immediately resolved. I highly recommend. “Positive experience”

“Challenge to the validity of a will”

Unfortunately, I had to defend a challenge to the validity of my fathers will. Naomi Ireson, with the help of Sharnie Jenkins and the rest of the team were absolutely amazing. It was such a stressful time but Naomi had my back through it all, and pursued the case relentlessly. Her expertise and competence in her field is exemplary and I never once believed that there would be a problem. The team kept me informed at all times and were always easy to talk to. I would recommend them in a heartbeat. “Challenge to the validity of a will”

“Defending a claim made against Estate”

After receiving a claim against my late fathers estate, I was left feeling extremely anxious and frustrated. Chris was amazing, his knowledge and professionalism was impeccable. I immediately felt in safe hands and I received a prompt response to any queries I had. Sharnie was also amazing throughout the experience. I was so impressed with the service that I used Slee Blackwell for an eviction and conveyancing. I received outstanding service again. Thank you so much for relieving my stress, that is truly priceless! “Defending a claim made against Estate”

“Contentious Probate – Establishing Paternity”

The brother of my grandfather died without children, and after a dispute with my family who said that I was not the son of my father, I read a very professional article written by Naomi Ireson that was very informative. I saw that I could ask some questions and her answer really helped. I later hired her and she resolved the accusation of my family. She is also very organized and is doing only what is necessary. Thank you for your work and to all the members of your team. “Contentious Probate – Establishing Paternity”

“Dispute – Breach of Trust”

I can’t express enough gratitude to Chris for his outstanding service over the past year. My case was especially challenging, but Chris handled it with compassion and the highest level of professionalism. The outcome was fantastic, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Chris’s expert advice and support. I would strongly recommend his services to anyone who is going through a difficult will dispute. Many thanks again Chris! “Dispute – Breach of Trust”

“Fantastic Solicitor”

Brontë, guided us through a very difficult time, and always gave the best advice even if it wasn’t what i always wanted to hear. I really appreciated her honesty,her knowledge and experience. I’d highly recommend “Fantastic Solicitor”

“Kind and Informative”

I emailed Kristi to ask some questions about contentious probate. She was very helpful and answered all my questions. Kristi followed up with me and I was able to ask further questions which really helped in my decision making process. “Kind and Informative”

“Excellent”

Excellent advice and help with a complex probate issue. Advice was always timely and I was always kept well informed. I felt communication was always direct and friendly. Anya was always approachable, fair and quick to respond to questions and concerns. Would definitely return if future needs required legal advice or representation. Many thanks “Excellent”

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