It is not unusual for many people to consider their relationships with their siblings contemptuous. Years of sibling rivalry may have made it difficult for you and your siblings to get along as well as you may have hoped. Now that your parent has passed, you may have concerns over how your relationships will influence the estate administration proceedings.
Unfortunately, even among siblings, disputes can arise over a loved one’s remaining assets and affairs. In some cases, these disputes may even need legal action to resolve. If you have been named the executor of your parent’s estate, a considerable amount of contempt may come your way.
Sibling strife
Though you and your siblings have grown up, it is possible for childish tendencies to resurface as you attempt to close the estate. For instance, if your parent named you as the executor in his or her will, your siblings may feel scorned because your parent did not appoint one of them. As a result, that mentality of “Mom/Dad liked you best” may come about as you try to complete your executor duties. Unfortunately, this feeling of scorn and resentment could result in your siblings making your job difficult.
Brotherly battles
When it comes to making your job difficult, you may face siblings or other individuals questioning every decision you make. As the executor, you have a fiduciary duty to ensure that you act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. If your siblings ask why you took certain actions and you do not have an immediate response, they could accuse you of wrongdoing.
Sisterly standoffs
Another area that could cause problems is if your parent did not distribute his or her assets fairly among you and your siblings. Sisters or brothers could feel entitled to certain assets, and if they did not directly inherit those assets, they may feel the need to fight for them. Additionally, if you give someone an item that was not directly mentioned in the will, it is possible for other loved ones to come requesting specific assets too, which could cause complications.
Standing your ground
You may consider your siblings’ or other parties’ reasons for conflict as petty, but as the executor, you still have the responsibility to address conflicts involving the estate. This task is not always easy, but fortunately, you can have a legal advocate on your side in the form of a North Carolina attorney. This professional can help you through the various aspects of estate administration, including dealing with disputes.
