What Beneficiaries Can Do When a Personal Representative Fails to Communicate

The loss of a loved one is difficult enough without added stress or confusion about what’s happening with their estate. In Florida, the person appointed to manage the estate, known as the Personal Representative, has legal obligations to act transparently and in the best interests of the beneficiaries.

Yet unfortunately, some Personal Representaive’s fail to communicate, leaving family members in the dark about the estate’s progress. When this happens, beneficiaries have options to ensure fairness and accountability. A skilled Pompano Beach estate litigation lawyer can help you enforce your rights and ensure that the estate is handled fairly and according to Florida law.

Examples of Poor Communication

Under Florida law, personal representatives are required to keep beneficiaries reasonably informed about the administration of the estate. This includes notifying beneficiaries when the probate process begins and providing an inventory of assets within 60 days of their receipt of the Letters of Administration from the Court. Sharing updates and providing an accounting of all financial transactions before the estate is closed is key as well.

Communication is not optional, it’s a fiduciary duty. The executor must act with honesty at all times. When they fail to do so, beneficiaries have every right to raise concerns.

There are many ways an executor’s failure to communicate can show up during probate:

• Ignoring calls or emails from beneficiaries seeking updates.
• Failing to provide the required inventory of assets or financial records.
• Not disclosing property sales, investments, or distributions made from the estate.
• Delaying the process without explanation or court approval.

Sometimes, poor communication stems from inexperience rather than bad intentions. But a pattern of secrecy, missing documents, or unexplained delays can signal mismanagement, or even misconduct.

A responsible executor understands that transparency builds trust. Good communication includes providing regular written updates, sharing important documents promptly, answering beneficiary questions respectfully, and seeking guidance from the court or an attorney when issues arise. Representatives who follow these best practices make the process smoother for everyone and reduce the likelihood of disputes or litigation.

Protecting Your Rights as a Beneficiary

When there are long periods with no updates, unexplained withdrawals, or hostile or evasive behavior from the Personal Representative, beneficiaries have a right to be concerned. If these warning signs appear, it may be time to consult an estate lawyer. An attorney can review the situation, request a formal accounting, or petition the court for oversight. In serious cases, beneficiaries can even ask the court to remove and replace the executor for breaching fiduciary duties.

Executors have a duty to keep beneficiaries informed, but beneficiaries also have a right to demand accountability. If you suspect the representative of your loved one’s estate is failing to communicate or properly manage assets, talk to a Pompano Beach estate litigation lawyer to protect your inheritance.

Where were you when you realized an executor wasn’t providing you with the information you have a right to see? Connect with the attorneys at Mark R. Manceri, P.A. With legal guidance, you can bring clarity, transparency, and justice back to the process during a difficult time. Schedule a confidential consultation today.