When a person has been named a beneficiary of a loved one’s estate in Minnesota, it is often viewed as a special gift. Most of the time, disbursements of assets to beneficiaries occur without incidence, but sometimes beneficiaries may wonder if they have any rights. Executors of an estate do have certain obligations to its beneficiaries.
A beneficiary should expect that they will be provided with information. The information usually includes enough information to enforce their rights. It can include what assets the estate holds, how much debt the estate contains and what assets are being sold to pay that debt. A beneficiary should also expect they will receive timely distribution from the estate. Beneficiaries also have the right to dismiss and replace the executor. There are grounds that need to be met for a dismissal that may include theft, inability to manage the estate or breach of fiduciary duties.
A beneficiary of an estate does have certain legal rights. If they believe their rights are not being honored, they may want to speak with a legal professional who is skilled in probate litigation. An attorney can help their client understand what is going on with the probate process and help them work through disagreements they may have. A probate litigation attorney can use mediation techniques to help their client and minimize the long-term effect a disagreement can have on a family.
Assets given to a beneficiary are often transferred in an efficient and thorough manner. But occasionally a beneficiary runs into a situation where they are not treated fairly. In these cases, an attorney can help work through the emotional and intense situation.