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When Executors Fail: Legal Remedies and Alternatives for Beneficiaries

14_When-Executors-Fail-Legal-Remedies

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Losing a loved one is hard. Managing their estate can feel even harder. You rely on the executor or personal representative to act fairly. You expect them to honour the will. But what if they fail?
In Alberta, beneficiaries have real rights. You are not powerless. There are legal paths. There are alternatives. You can act to protect what is yours.
Below, you will find a detailed guide. It blends plain talk. It feels human. It stays rooted in Alberta law. It gives you clarity.

What Does an Executor Owe You?

An executor has a duty to act in good faith. They must be honest. They must manage estate assets carefully. They must account for their actions. They must not favour one beneficiary over another. This is not optional. It is the law.

They must also act in a timely way. They cannot drag their feet. Unreasonable delays can bring court remedies. 

These principles are set out in Alberta’s law and common law. 

Common Failures by Executors

What does failure look like? Here are typical issues that leave beneficiaries frustrated:
  • No accounting. You ask where the money went. You get silence.
  • No updates. Your calls go nowhere. Days turn into months.
  • Delays. Months pass before assets are distributed.
  • Unequal treatment. One person gets special treatment. Others are ignored.
  • Self-dealing. Executor enriches themselves at your expense.

These are more than missteps. They may be breaches of fiduciary duty. (willful.co) 

Your Legal Options in Alberta

  • 1. Request an Accounting
You can ask formally for a full breakdown. That means assets, debts, and transactions. You can ask your estate lawyer to send the request. If that fails, you can ask the court to order an accounting.
  • 2. Request Regular Updates
You have a right to know how the estate is progressing. You are entitled to updates on probate, asset sales, and distribution plans. If communication breaks down, you may ask the court to compel updates.
  • 3. Petition for Removal
If the executor truly fails in their duties, Alberta courts may remove them. This is serious. It is not done lightly. But courts will act if assets are mismanaged or if fairness is breached. The court can also require specific performance or impose conditions instead of removal. (DBH Law)
  • 4. Apply for Court Directions
In other cases, a court order will dictate certain actions. This can accelerate administration. It may set deadlines. It may demand that the executor take action. That is not as radical as elimination but has its own effect.
  • 5. Mediation or Legal Action
If the situation is heated, mediation can resolve disagreements. If that fails, litigation may be needed. You can bring a claim for breach of fiduciary duty or seek damages. In extreme cases, you may allege theft or fraud.

What Beneficiaries Can Do Now

  • Keep careful records of your communications. Save dates. Keep copies of letters and emails.
  • Start with polite requests. Ask for timelines and updates.
  • If that fails, consult a lawyer experienced in estate litigation.
  • Understand your rights before escalating matters.
  • Set a reasonable timeline in your mind. Waiting indefinitely is not required.
  • Keep your focus on fairness. The law protects all beneficiaries equally.

Reality in Alberta

Court cases show that removal is possible. In one case, the executor took around 16 months to apply for probate. That caused loss in estate value. The court-imposed deadlines. Then it removed the executor.

(DBH Law) 

Litigation can slow things down. It can also escalate stress. Use it wisely. Use alternatives where possible. Try communication. Try accounting. Try deadlines first.

Alternatives to Litigation

  • If the executor is overwhelmed, ask them to renounce. Then another can step in.
  • Encourage the executor to help hire. An estate lawyer or administrator can assist.
  • If the executor cannot act, the court may appoint someone else.
  • Sometimes, co-executors help resolve delays. They can share responsibility.

A Human Summary

When trust fails, frustration grows. You watched. You waited. Now you act. Alberta law does not leave you empty-handed. You have rights. You have pathways. You can insist on accountability. You can insist on fairness. You can insist on timely closure.

At Forum Estates, we know these challenges. We live here. We help families here. You are not alone. You have options. And you can protect your inheritance the right way. 

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