Wills and Executors/Executrix

imastawka
Honored Contributor

I know Wills have to be lodged for probate with the Probate Office,

but does anyone in authority actually check that things are carried out

in accordance with that person's wishes?

 

The Will is made public property once it's lodged, but if no-one looks

at it,  can the executor get away with doing whatever they want?

And if they get found out later, what happens?

 

Anyone?

 

BTW  I'm not an executrix ATM,   just curious............

 

 

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Re: Wills and Executors/Executrix

imastawka theoretically an executor can pretty much get away with whatever they like.

 

I think the idea of probate is that it advertised on the supreme court website so that people who think they may have a claim on the estate know about it. Once probate is granted the executors (or solicitor) can go about getting everything in order according to the will and liquidating assets. There is still 6 months from the date of probate in which people are able to contest the will but it is up to them to come forward in that time.

 

If the executors distribute the estate prior to the 6 months they run the risk of being sued.

 

So nobody actually checks on what the executors are doing unless the beneficiaries don't trust them, I guess its recommended that the maker of a will gives the beneficiaries a copy so they know whats what.

 

 

 

 photo screen-1-1-1-1.jpg

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Re: Wills and Executors/Executrix

A solicitor does not have my will.  Too much $$$ involved.  My executors will act by themselves, they don't need a solicitor.  Same reason.

 

But everyone should do what is best for them and their family.

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When my mother died it was her solicitor who handled the probating of the will and it was his responsibility to make sure it was done properly.

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Why do wills have to be lodged anywhere?

 

Can you give details of that?

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You have to lodge a Will with the Probate Office or you can't

access bank accounts, superannuation,  or sell property etc

 

http://www.supremecourt.vic.gov.au/home/forms+fees+and+services/wills+and+probate/

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@imastawka wrote:

You have to lodge a Will with the Probate Office or you can't

access bank accounts, superannuation,  or sell property etc

 

http://www.supremecourt.vic.gov.au/home/forms+fees+and+services/wills+and+probate/


After the person dies?  What happens then?  Do they get some sort of a document giving them the extra powers then?

 

My executors can access my bank accounts now, because they have an EPA.

 

I thought I had done everything, now I am learning something else.

 

Thank you.

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After my father passed away his solicitor handled everything. 

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An EPA  is not a Will.   Who are you leaving your money and

personal property to?

 

http://www.aetlimited.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/70761/Why_should_you_have_an_enduring_power...

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@polksaladallie wrote:

@imastawka wrote:

You have to lodge a Will with the Probate Office or you can't

access bank accounts, superannuation,  or sell property etc

 

http://www.supremecourt.vic.gov.au/home/forms+fees+and+services/wills+and+probate/


After the person dies?  What happens then?  Do they get some sort of a document giving them the extra powers then?

 

My executors can access my bank accounts now, because they have an EPA.

 

I thought I had done everything, now I am learning something else.

 

Thank you.


Its my understanding that the EPA becomes nul and void on your death.  

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Quite right, grandmoon

 

 

When does an enduring power of
attorney end?
An enduring power of attorney ends:
when you revoke it
on your death
when your attorney dies or can no longer act as your attorney,
or
if you have multiple attorneys appointed jointly, when one of
them dies or can no longer act as your attorney.
The enduring power of attorney may also end for more complex
legal reasons, such as insolvency. You should seek legal advice
about these matter
 
From here
 
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Re: Wills and Executors/Executrix


@imastawka wrote:

I know Wills have to be lodged for probate with the Probate Office,

but does anyone in authority actually check that things are carried out

in accordance with that person's wishes?

 

The Will is made public property once it's lodged, but if no-one looks

at it,  can the executor get away with doing whatever they want?

And if they get found out later, what happens?

 

Anyone?

 

BTW  I'm not an executrix ATM,   just curious............

 

 


Although my wife and I are executors for her mother, who had the prescence of mind to allow us, now that she's suffering dementia, we are the controlling body, but as there's been a falling out with family in years gone by, they are still able to contest, should they wish to do so - so we've been advised to retain a solicitor in the event of her death, to ensure her wishes are met.

This will ensure parity between all parties.

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