In a case before Surrogate John Czygier, Jr. who sits in Suffolk County a proceeding was brought by the brother of the named fiduciary in an estate. The decedent’s brother was the executor on the estate. The petition sought to remove the brother and to have him appointed as the successor executor to his brother.
The allegations were his brother failed to fulfill his duties as executor. The petition claimed the brother failed to leave the decedent’s residence. The decedent’s residence was the only asset of significance in the estate. The brother also did not engage in any action to sell the decedent’s residence. In addition, the brother lived in the house without making any contribution either personal or from estate assets towards paying the estate taxes.
Damaging the Estate
The named executor did not take action to make distributions of estate assets. The petition claimed as a result these inactions there was significant harm done to the estate. This harm had an adverse effect on the assets beneficiaries anticipated receiving.
The Judge’s Decision
Surrogate Czygier in his decision stated a fiduciary can be removed without a hearing where the conduct of said fiduciary is established by undisputed facts. He went on to state a petition was deemed “due proof of the facts stated” unless an answer, objection or other proof or documentation was submitted. In this case he found the fiduciary did not oppose the relief. The fiduciary also failed to appear on the scheduled court date for the proceeding. Justice Czygier in his decision wrote that due to the absence of opposition the brother who was named as the alternate executor in the decedent’s will was entitled to successor letters testamentary naming him has the new executor. Previous letters testamentary given to the original executor were therefore revoked.
Elliot S. Schlissel, Esq. is the managing partner of Schlissel DeCorpo LLP. The law firm has more than 45 years of experience dealing with all types of issues involving wills, trusts and estate matters. They can be reached for a free consultation either 516-561-6645, 631-319-8262 or 718-350-2801.
