What is a fiduciary relationship?
A Fiduciary relationship explains the relationship of confidence that exists between certain people such as a lawyer and client, or the Executor of a deceased Estate and the beneficiaries of that Estate.
Does an Executor of a Will have a fiduciary relationship?
A Fiduciary, such as an Executor of a deceased Estate, has a legal and ethical obligation to protect and distribute the Estate of the deceased and to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries of the deceased Estate. A failure to uphold this duty can result in the beneficiaries taking action to have the Executor removed from their role as Executor, as well as actions to have assets of the Estate that may have been incorrectly distributed returned to the Estate.
The duties of an Executor
If you have been asked to be an Executor in a person’s Will, it is important that you understand the nature of this Fiduciary relationship and the duties you must undertake as the Executor.
One of the main duties of the Executor is to ensure that the deceased Estate is distributed in accordance with the wishes of the deceased as set out in their Will. The administration of a deceased Estate includes, promptly and efficiently applying for a Grant of Probate of the Will.
Once Probate has been granted by the Court it is necessary to gather the assets of the deceased, pay any debts of the deceased and then distribute the assets to the beneficiaries in accordance with the Will.
It is also the duty of the Executor to handle any challenges made to the Will, such as family provision claims.
Being named an Executor in a Will carries with it important obligations and an Executor must ensure, that they carry out these obligations as a failure to do so may be considered a breach of the Fiduciary relationship they have with the beneficiaries of the Estate.
Have you been named an Executor in a Will?
If you have been named an Executor in a Will, you should seek expert legal advice on your obligations as Executor. This expert legal advice will include assistance on how to best manage the Estate, as well as advice and guidance on the legal obligations and practicalities of administration of an Estate.
Graeme Heckenberg is an expert Wills & Estates lawyer and will be able to guide and advise you on Wills, Estates and acting as an Executor of a deceased Estate. Please contact us here to book an appointment.
