We are executors in an estate where the only residuary beneficiary is the deceased’s 13 year old son, the legacy vesting when he reaches 21.
Contact with him so far has been via the beneficiary’s mother (the deceased’s ex-husband), who is a very difficult and volatile person to deal with. She has taken various steps so far that lead us to have concerns that she believes herself entitled to deal with the estate on behalf of her son despite our appointment, and also that she will be able to manipulate her son to effectively give her the benefit of his inheritance.
We are getting to the point where we feel that continued communication with her is not in her son’s best interests and we will need to tell her so.
My understanding is that contact with a minor beneficiary’s parent is a courtesy/practical matter rather than an obligation, but any thoughts would be welcome.
Ben Leach
Molesworths Bright Clegg