Dear Quentin, My mother-in-law passed away almost two years ago, and her house has remained empty since then. Immediately after she passed, one sister-in-law came over, and took the entire contents of the house, against the instructions laid out in the will. She did not allow my other sister-in-law or niece to take anything. The will specified that the contents were to be split three ways between the children; my husband did not want anything.
My second sister-in-law was bequeathed a vehicle in the will, which the executor — a non-family member — has yet to turn over to her. The executor said it will be returned when the estate is settled. I have also asked for access to the home to prep it for sale, but he refused. Do we, given that we are family, have a legal right to access the home? And if there is no outstanding loan on the car, can it be released? We just want this to be settled. Tired and Frustrated Sister-In-LawDear Tired and Frustrated, When a beloved family member dies, it should not be an opportunity to reenact the antics from “Supermarket Sweep” where every family member grabs a trolley and fills it with their favorite pieces of furniture, jewelry, family …