When someone passes away, and their estate needs to be distributed among their beneficiaries, instructions for this process are often detailed in their will. The deceased may have named an estate executor to oversee the process. It is the executor’s responsibility to gather the remaining assets and distribute them according to the estate plan.
But does this process begin with the family gathering together for a will reading? This is a scenario often depicted in popular media, such as books, movies or television shows. If one of your parents has recently passed away, for example, you may wonder if you need to meet with other family members to determine how the assets will be passed on.
The estate executor distributes the paperwork
Although there are exceptions, will readings are generally not used today. They are largely an outdated concept. Historically, when literacy rates were much lower, many people couldn’t read an estate plan themselves. A will reading allowed an attorney or another official to read the document aloud, informing everyone about their inheritance and how the assets would be distributed.
Today, the distribution of this information is more streamlined. The estate executor typically makes copies of the estate plan and distributes them to the beneficiaries and any other parties involved. An official reading is unnecessary because everyone has direct access to a copy of the document.
That said, estate disputes or challenges can still arise if beneficiaries believe the documents they receive do not reflect their loved one’s true final wishes. If you and your family are facing such a situation, be sure to carefully explore all of the legal steps you can take moving forward.
