What can I do if a family member named as executor won’t provide information about estate accounts? - Pennsylvania
The Short Answer
In Pennsylvania, an executor (called a “personal representative”) has legal duties to identify estate assets and, when required, provide a formal accounting through the Orphans’ Court. If a family member serving as executor refuses to share basic estate account information, you may be able to demand an inventory and/or ask the court to compel an accounting.
What Pennsylvania Law Says
Pennsylvania’s probate code gives the Orphans’ Court authority to address disputes about estate administration, including questions about what assets exist, how they are being handled, and whether the executor is properly documenting transactions. The law also requires the personal representative to prepare and file an inventory of estate assets, and it allows interested parties to push for earlier disclosure in certain circumstances.
If you want a deeper overview of when accountings are required and what they typically include, you can also read: Do I have to file an annual estate accounting with the court in Pennsylvania? and How Can I Challenge an Executor’s Accounting and Recover Missing Estate Funds in Pennsylvania?.
The Statute
The primary law governing this issue is 20 Pa.C.S. § 3301.
This statute requires the personal representative to file a verified inventory of the decedent’s estate assets and allows a party in interest to request that an inventory be filed earlier (and also permits the court to direct an inventory at any time).
In addition, Pennsylvania law allows the Orphans’ Court to resolve administration questions through an accounting or other appropriate proceeding. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 762.
Why You Should Speak with an Attorney
Even when you are clearly entitled to information, forcing transparency from an uncooperative executor can escalate quickly—and the “right” court filing depends on timing, the estate’s status, and what you suspect is happening with the money. Legal outcomes often depend on:
- Strict Deadlines: A personal representative can be cited to file an account after certain time thresholds, and the court can direct an accounting sooner depending on the circumstances. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 3501.1.
- Burden of Proof: If you believe funds are missing or being misused, you typically need bank records, transaction histories, and estate documentation to support objections—often while the executor controls access to information.
- Exceptions and Strategy: Some assets may be non-probate (payable-on-death accounts, jointly titled property, certain beneficiary designations), and disputes can involve removal, surcharge, or objections to an accounting—each with different legal standards and risks.
Trying to handle this alone can lead to avoidable delays, incomplete relief, or missed opportunities to protect the estate. A Pennsylvania probate attorney can evaluate whether you should demand an earlier inventory, petition to compel an accounting, object to an accounting, or seek other court intervention based on your specific facts.
Get Connected with a Pennsylvania Attorney
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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Pennsylvania law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.