When the Executor is the Problem: How to Remove a Troublesome Personal Representative

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When an Executor or Administrator fails to fulfill their fiduciary duties, whether through incompetence, hostility, or dishonesty, beneficiaries have the legal right to seek their removal. Under Section 50 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985, the High Court possesses the discretionary power to replace a Personal Representative to ensure the proper administration of the estate. Proving “misconduct” is not always required; the court’s primary concern is whether the welfare of the beneficiaries and the safety of the estate assets are at risk. This article outlines the “Red Flags” of executor misconduct, the legal grounds for removal, and the urgent steps necessary to prevent the dissipation of your inheritance.

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The Fiduciary Burden: What an Executor Owes You

An Executor (named in a Will) or an Administrator (where there is no Will) is collectively known as a Personal Representative (PR). From the moment they take office, they owe a “fiduciary duty” to the beneficiaries. This is the highest standard of care recognized by English law. It means they must put the interests of the estate and its beneficiaries above their own.

Their core responsibilities include:

  • Collecting Assets: Identifying and securing all property, bank accounts, and belongings.
  • Paying Debts: Settling funeral expenses, taxes (IHT), and outstanding creditors.
  • Distribution: Passing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as dictated by the Will or Intestacy rules.
  • Transparency: Providing a clear “Inventory and Account” to show where every penny has gone.

When these duties are ignored, the estate becomes “stalled,” and the beneficiaries are left in a state of legal and financial limbo.

Identifying the “Red Flags” of Misconduct

Grief is already a heavy burden; discovering that the person in charge of your loved one’s legacy is obstructing the process adds a layer of betrayal. It is important to distinguish between a slow probate process (which is common in the UK) and actionable misconduct.

Common Red Flags include:

  • The “Wall of Silence”: Failing to respond to reasonable requests for information or progress updates.
  • Conflict of Interest: Using estate funds for personal gain or living in an estate property rent-free without consent.
  • Asset Dissipation: Selling assets significantly below market value or “losing” items of sentimental or financial worth.
  • Hostility: Actively working against the interests of a specific beneficiary due to personal family feuds.
  • Incompetence: Simply being unable to handle the paperwork, leading to tax penalties or the loss of asset value (e.g., letting a property fall into disrepair).

If you recognize these signs, you are not “being difficult”, you are witnessing a breach of trust that threatens your inheritance.

The Legal Gateway: Section 50 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985

The most common route for removing a troublesome Executor is an application to the High Court under Section 50 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985.

The court does not take the removal of an Executor lightly, as the testator (the deceased) chose that person specifically. However, the court’s “overriding objective” is the proper administration of the estate.

You do not necessarily have to prove that the Executor is a criminal. You must prove that the administration of the estate is being frustrated to such an extent that the beneficiaries’ interests are being harmed. If the relationship between the Executor and the beneficiaries has completely broken down to the point where they can no longer communicate, the court often views this as sufficient grounds for removal.

The Steps to Removal: Empowering the Beneficiary

If you are facing a troublesome Executor, you should follow a structured legal path to build your case:

  1. The Formal Request: Before going to court, your solicitor will send a formal “Letter of Claim” or a request for an Inventory and Account. This gives the Executor a final chance to rectify their behavior.
  2. The Application: If the Executor fails to comply, an application is made to the High Court. You will need a witness statement detailing the specific failures and how they have harmed the estate.
  3. Proposing a Replacement: The court will not leave an estate “leaderless.” You must propose a suitable replacement—often an Independent Professional Administrator (a specialist solicitor) who can step in, neutralize the conflict, and finish the job.
  4. The Court Order: If successful, the court issues an order removing the PR and appointing the new representative.

Why You Cannot Afford to Wait

Time is the enemy of a stalled estate. Every month an Executor sits on an asset without acting, the risks increase:

  • Property Values: Uninsured or unmaintained properties can plummet in value or suffer damage.
  • Tax Penalties: HMRC imposes strict deadlines and interest on unpaid Inheritance Tax. An incompetent Executor can cost the estate thousands in avoidable fines.
  • Dissipation: It is much harder to recover money once an Executor has spent it than it is to stop them from spending it in the first place.

By the time you realize an Executor is “troublesome,” the damage may already be underway. Taking action now “freezes” the risk and places the estate in safe, professional hands.

The Cost of Removal

A common fear is that the legal costs of removing an Executor will “eat up the inheritance.” In many cases, if the court finds the Executor has behaved unreasonably, they may order the Executor to pay the legal costs personally, rather than out of the estate. This serves as a powerful deterrent against further misconduct.

Take Back Control of Your Inheritance

An Executor is a servant of the Will, not its master. You do not have to settle for silence, excuses, or the mismanagement of your loved one’s final wishes. The law provides clear, authoritative pathways to remove those who abuse their position of power.

By appointing an independent professional to take over, you remove the emotion from the process and ensure the estate is settled with transparency and speed.

Learn more about the executor’s role by reading our guide: Understanding Executor Duties: What You Can, and Cannot Do

Is a troublesome Executor standing between you and your inheritance? Don’t let the estate dwindle through neglect. Contact us today for a confidential assessment and learn how we can help you remove the obstacle and secure your future.

Get your free, no-obligation case assessment. Call 08002980029 or visit contestawilltoday.com

FAQs

1. Can I remove an Executor just because they are taking too long?

Generally, no. Probate in the UK can take 9–12 months or longer for complex estates. However, if the delay is excessive (e.g., over two years) and the Executor cannot provide a valid reason or refuse to communicate, the court may view this as “stalling” and grounds for removal.

2. What is a “Section 116” application, and how is it different?

While Section 50 is used after a Grant of Probate has been issued, Section 116 of the Senior Courts Act 1981 is used before the Grant is issued. It allows the court to pass over someone who would normally have the right to be an Administrator if there are “special circumstances” that make them unfit for the role.

3. Does the Executor get paid if they are removed for misconduct?

A lay executor (a friend or family member) is generally only entitled to out-of-pocket expenses, not a fee. A professional executor (like a bank or solicitor) may be entitled to fees. However, if they are removed for misconduct, the court can “disallow” their fees and potentially order them to repay the estate for any losses caused by their negligence.

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Frequently asked questions.

Disputes over wills can arise in several circumstances, including:

  • Testamentary capacity: The person who made the will (known as the testator) must have had the mental capacity to understand what they were doing and the consequences of their actions. This means that they must have been able to understand the nature and extent of their property, the people they were giving their property to, and the people they were excluded from their will.

 

  • Valid execution: The will must have been executed correctly under the law. This means it must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two independent witnesses.

 

  • Undue influence: The testator must have made the will freely and without any pressure from others. The will may be invalid if someone was unduly influenced to make a will. Undue influence can occur when someone takes advantage of a testator’s vulnerability, such as if the testator is elderly, ill, or has a mental disability.

 

  • Fraud or forgery: If the will was forged or if someone fraudulently induced the testator to make the will, the will may be invalid.

 

Claims against a will must usually be made within six months of the grant of probate being issued. This is the legal document that gives the executor the authority to administer the estate. If a claim is not made within this time, it may be too late to challenge the will.

As such, executors often wait until this six-month period has expired before distributing the estate. This is to avoid having to distribute the estate and then having to take it back if a successful claim is made against the will.

Here are some examples of how these disputes can arise:

  • A family member may dispute a will if they believe that the testator did not have the mental capacity to make a will. For example, if the testator was suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease at the time the will was made.
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A family member may dispute a will if they believe that it was not executed correctly. For example, if the will is not signed by the testator or if it is not witnessed by two independent witnesses.

 

  • A family member may dispute a will if they believe that they were unduly influenced to make the will. For example, if a caregiver or another family member pressured the testator to make the will in their favour.

 

  • A family member may dispute a will if they believe that it was forged or if someone fraudulently induced the testator to make the will. For example, if someone forged the testator’s signature on the will or if someone lied to the testator about the contents of the will.

If you are thinking about disputing a will, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. We can assess your case and advise you on your legal options.



Types of Trusts

Many different types of trusts can be set up, depending on your specific needs and goals. Some of the most common types of trusts include:
Bare Trusts: A bare trust is a simple type of trust in which the trustee holds the assets for the benefit of the beneficiary. The beneficiary is entitled to the income and capital of the trust as soon as they are old enough to receive them.

Interest in Possession Trusts: An interest in possession trust is a type of trust in which the beneficiary is entitled to the income from the trust immediately, but not to the capital until a later date. This type of trust is often used for minor beneficiaries or for beneficiaries who are not yet responsible enough to manage their own money.

Discretionary Trusts: A discretionary trust is a type of trust in which the trustee has the discretion to decide how and when to distribute the income and capital of the trust to the beneficiaries. This type of trust is often used for families with multiple beneficiaries or beneficiaries with special needs.

Accumulation Trusts: An accumulation trust is a type of trust in which the income from the trust is accumulated and not distributed to the beneficiaries until a later date. This type of trust is often used to save for a specific purpose, such as a child’s education or a retirement fund.

Mixed Trusts: A mixed trust is a type of trust that combines elements of different types of trusts. For example, a trust may be a discretionary trust for one beneficiary and an interest in possession trust for another beneficiary.

Settlor-Interested Trusts: A settlor-interested trust is a type of trust in which the settlor (the person who creates the trust) retains some interest in the trust assets. For example, the settlor may retain the right to receive income from the trust or to appoint the trustee.

Non-Resident Trusts: A non-resident trust is a type of trust that is created and governed by the laws of a country other than the country where the settlor or beneficiaries reside.
Which type of trust is right for you will depend on your specific needs and goals. It is important to consult with an estate planning attorney to discuss your options and choose the type of trust that is best for you.
Here are some examples of how different types of trusts can be used:
A bare trust can be used to hold assets for a minor child until they reach the age of majority.

An interest in possession trust can be used to provide income to a beneficiary who is not yet responsible enough to manage their own money.

A discretionary trust can be used to manage assets for a family with multiple beneficiaries or for beneficiaries with special needs.

An accumulation trust can be used to save for a specific purpose, such as a child’s education or a retirement fund.

A mixed trust can be used to achieve a variety of different goals, such as providing income to one beneficiary and preserving capital for another beneficiary.

A settlor-interested trust can be used to retain some control over trust assets after the settlor has created the trust.

A non-resident trust can be used to reduce estate taxes or to protect assets from creditors.
It is important to note that this is just a brief overview of the different types of trusts. There are many other types of trusts available, and each type of trust has its own specific features and benefits. For more information please visit www.gov.uk/trusts-taxes/types-of-trust

Inheritance trust disputes can be complex and varied, but some common scenarios include:

  • Disputes over the validity of the trust: This can happen if the settlor (the person who created the trust) does not have the mental capacity to create a trust, or if the trust deed was not executed correctly.

 

  • Disputes over the interpretation of the trust deed: If the trust deed is poorly drafted or unclear, it can lead to disputes between the trustees and beneficiaries about how the trust should be administered.

 

  • Disputes over the appointment or removal of trustees: Trustees have a legal duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. If a trustee is not acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries, the beneficiaries may apply to the court to have the trustee removed.

 

  • Disputes over the investment of trust assets: Trustees have a legal duty to invest trust assets prudently. If a trustee makes investments that are too risky or that lose money, the beneficiaries may sue the trustee for breach of duty.

 

  • Disputes over the distribution of trust assets: Trustees have a legal duty to distribute trust assets to the beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of the trust deed. If a trustee distributes trust assets incorrectly, the beneficiaries may sue the trustee for breach of duty.

 

Here are some specific examples of inheritance trust disputes that have occurred in the UK:

  • In one case, a beneficiary disputed the validity of a trust deed on the grounds that the settlor (the person who created the trust) did not have the mental capacity to create a trust at the time it was set up.

 

  • In another case, a beneficiary sued the trustees for breach of duty after the trustees made a number of risky investments that lost money.



  • In a third case, a beneficiary sued the trustees for breach of duty after the trustees distributed trust assets to the beneficiaries in a way that was not in accordance with the terms of the trust deed.

 

Other possible disputes include:

  • A beneficiary was expecting more than what is set out in the trust document. This may be because the beneficiary had a reasonable belief that they would receive more, or because the trust document is unclear about the beneficiary’s entitlement.

 

  • The individual who set up the trust was provided with negligent or misleading advice. If the settlor was not properly advised about the consequences of setting up a trust, or if they were given incorrect information, they may be able to challenge the trust.

 

  • The trust document is either incomplete or unclear about the wishes of the deceased. If the trust document is incomplete or unclear, it can lead to disputes between the trustees and beneficiaries about how the trust should be administered.

 

  • A trustee acts against the best interests of the beneficiary or doesn’t administer the trust correctly. Trustees have a legal duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. If a trustee breaches their duty, the beneficiaries may sue the trustee.

If you are involved in an inheritance trust dispute, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. We can assess your case and advise you on your legal options.

Contesting a will is challenging the validity of a will. This can be done on a number of grounds, including.

  • The testator (the person who made the will) did not have the mental capacity to make a will.
  • The will was not executed correctly, i.e., it was not signed by the testator or witnessed by two independent witnesses.
  • The testator was unduly influenced to make the will.
  • The will was forged or fraudulent.

 

Contentious probate is any dispute about the administration of a deceased person’s estate. This can include disputes about

  • The validity of the will.
  • The interpretation of the will.
  • The appointment or removal of executors.
  • The distribution of the estate assets.
  • The management of the estate.
  • In the UK, contentious probate is dealt with by the High Court.

 

The main difference between contesting a will and contentious probate is that contesting a will is specifically challenging the validity of the will, while contentious probate can include a wide range of disputes about the administration of an estate.

Here is an example:

Contesting a will: A beneficiary challenges the validity of a will on the grounds that the testator did not have the mental capacity to make a will.

Contentious probate: A beneficiary disputes the interpretation of a will and argues that they are entitled to a larger share of the estate than they have been given.

It is important to note that the two terms are often used interchangeably. For example, a lawyer might say that they are “dealing with a contentious probate matter” when they are actually challenging the validity of a will.

If you are thinking about contesting a will or pursuing a contentious probate claim, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. We can assess your case and advise you on your legal options.

The time limit for making a contentious probate claim in the UK is six months from the grant of probate. This is the legal document that gives the executor the authority to administer the estate.

If you do not make your claim within this six-month time limit, you may need to apply to the court for permission to make a late claim. The court will only grant permission if you have a good reason for not making your claim on time.

There are a number of factors that the court will consider when deciding whether to grant permission for a late claim, including:

  • Why did you not make your claim on time?
  • The strength of your case.
  • Whether the other beneficiaries will be prejudiced if your claim is allowed to proceed.
  • If the court grants you permission to make a late claim, you will need to file your claim within 28 days.

 

It is important to note that there are some exceptions to the six-month time limit. For example, if the executor has committed fraud or concealed assets from the beneficiaries, the beneficiaries may be able to make a claim after the six-month time limit has expired.

If you are thinking about making a contentious probate claim, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A lawyer can assess your case and advise you on the time limits that apply and whether you have a good case.

Here are some examples of when you might be able to make a late contentious probate claim:

  • You were not aware of the death of the deceased until after the six-month time limit had expired.
  • You were unable to make your claim on time because you were ill or incapacitated.
  • The executor has deliberately concealed information from you about the estate.
  • The executor has committed fraud in the administration of the estate.

 

The 12-year limit for making a contentious probate claim in the UK applies to claims for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975. This means that if you are making a claim for financial provision from an estate, you must do so within 12 years of the date of the deceased’s death.

The reason for the 12-year limit is to encourage people to make their claims as soon as possible after the deceased’s death. This is because it can become more difficult to investigate and prove a claim after a long period of time has elapsed.

If you are unsure whether you are able to make a late contentious probate claim, you should seek legal advice.

Most disputes in the UK are resolved out of court through mediation and negotiation. This is because it is generally faster, cheaper, and less stressful for all involved.

If you are considering disputing a will, it is important to contact a contentious probate specialist before you involve any other relatives or beneficiaries of the estate. A specialist lawyer can advise you on your legal options and help you to resolve the dispute quickly and efficiently.

Here are some of the benefits of resolving a will dispute out of court:

  • It is faster and cheaper than going to court.
  • It is less stressful for all involved.
  • It allows you to maintain relationships with other family members and beneficiaries.
  • You have more control over the outcome of the dispute.

 

There are a number of steps that you can take to try to resolve a contentious probate dispute without going to court, including

  • Negotiation: You can try to negotiate a settlement with the other parties to the dispute. This may involve making concessions on your part, but it can be a good way to avoid the time and expense of court proceedings.
  • Mediation: Mediation is a process where an independent mediator helps the parties to reach a mutually agreeable settlement. Mediation can be a good way to resolve a dispute without going to court, but it is important to note that it is not binding on the parties.
  • Arbitration: Arbitration is a more formal process than mediation, and it is binding on the parties. However, it can still be a good way to resolve a dispute without going to court.

 

If you are unable to resolve the dispute amicably, you will need to file a claim with the High Court. The court will then hold a hearing to decide the case.

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