How do I determine the value of an estate?
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How do I determine the value of an estate?
My estranged sister has executorship of my late mother’s estate. The estate (small) is to be split 50-50. I suspect she is trying to cheat me. Will I have to hire a forensic accountant (I really can’t afford to) or can I force her to show me the records?
Asked on July 4, 2011 under Estate Planning, Georgia
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss and for your situation. Yes, you have every right to an accounting of the estate and to see what goes on. The problem sometimes with small estates is that there is very little oversight by the court which can work against you sometimes. Have you already consented to your sister being appointed to the estate of your late mother? Maybe you should request to be co-executor of the estate so that you have access to all the financial records. You have access to the estate file as an estate is a public record once it is filed in to court. So you can go down to the courthouse and check out what has been listed in the petition. Good luck to you.
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