I came across the Supreme Court Rules (Probate) 2005 and even then a probate is a battlefield. The person who is named executor or an administrator and the possibility for fraud exists. Because he controls the information, it would be extremely difficult for a beneficiary to audit what an executor or administrator is doing. The executor only has to pay you your inheritance as set out in a will. But if he doesn't what can you do. Think. Romance scam. Think. Catch me if you can. Of course you can go to court but it is prohibitive expensive for a modest estate. Forget the lawyer thing, the executor can fire the lawyer at any time, liquidate all the assets. and run.
Most of this confusion goes to privacy. All I get is everything is confidential. If a person is dead why is privacy an issue. Not only is it up to the executor to share information it is also up to the interested parties in an estate to share information. When a beneficiary won't even share her email address, then we are in trouble. Privacy protects crooks. And everyone is a crook. It is just the degree that can upset. If you have an expense account you will abuse it. Maybe not at first but after a few times it becomes easier.
