Are you a beneficiary of an estate in NSW and wondering what your rights are?
We get a lot of enquiries from beneficiaries feeling left in the dark about the process and unsure what their rights are.
Below is some information that you may find helpful:
- All beneficiaries must be informed they are a named beneficiary in the deceased’s will.
- A beneficiary is entitled to be given a copy of the deceased’s will.
- A beneficiary is entitled to receive their entitlement with 12 months of the deceased’s death (unless otherwise specified in the will or due to circumstances that can be explained).
- The executor of the estate has a duty to advise the beneficiaries of the nature and extent of their entitlement as well as when the beneficiaries may expect to receive their entitlement (this includes informing the beneficiaries of any delay).
- If any liability is attached to the entitlement of a beneficiary, the executor should advise the beneficiary of this.
- A beneficiary should be informed of any legal proceedings.
- As a beneficiary, you are entitled to receive a distribution report when you are paid your entitlement.
For more information on your rights as a beneficiary, contact our office on (02) 4944 2008. We are here to help.