I have name changed for this, I am a long-time poster.
My mother left a very simple will which was last updated back in the 90s. She named an old colleague as executor. We were supposed to be changing it so that I was executor and had power of attorney, but sadly her condition worsened suddenly and it was too late.
I have several reasons for feeling he isn't acting appropriately, which I will list for clarity:
- didn't apply for probate until 3 months after the death because he didn't realise he had to. Thus delaying things considerably.
- hasn't contacted the bank or any companies to cancel off bills and now I know this because I have just found out that mum's bank account is overdrawn with a hefty daily interest being applied to it. (I used the Tell Us Once service when I registered the death).
- when I contact him for updates he states that he has been very busy or unwell with various conditions and is unable to make the relevant calls etc. This concerned me from the start and I offered the suggestion that he sign-out of being executor legally, but he felt it was his duty, having been a close colleague and friend to my mother all those years ago.
Leaving all the emotions out of this (and there are many), is there anything I can do here? Probate was applied for in June and we are being told there will be at least a 6-month process due to COVID delays. Or do I just need to sit back and let the process continue now?
I am not the sole beneficiary of the will, and it is not a big one (if any of that matters). It is a modest amount and it isn't about the money at all, I just feel so stressed and helpless and my mum was such an organised person I know she would be upset by it all. Any advice or thoughts on this would be so welcomed, thank you - even if it is that I am being unfair.