Do I have a right to know my grandmother's estate details?

Full question:

I was sent an interlocutory letter from my grandmother's attorney requesting my signature to confirm I received my inheritance from her estate. Don't I have a right to know the total amount of her estate, who and how much each person received? The letter stated I don't need to know this information. My late grandmother made us aware of certain assets she set aside for each of us. We are being told she died penniless and the amount we received was far less than promised; however, my Dad all of a sudden has hired 3 financial advisors to manage his estate. This man was broke before my grandmother's death.

• Category: Wills and Estates
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Nebraska

Answer:

Typically, family members are not required to receive a copy of the will. However, once a will is submitted for probate, it becomes a public document. Anyone can go to the court to obtain a copy, or you can hire a lawyer to do so for you. The executor named in the will is responsible for managing the estate, which includes paying debts and distributing assets. They must act in good faith and according to the decedent's wishes. If the executor fails to do so, they may be held personally liable.

In Nebraska, the personal representative must prepare and file an inventory of the decedent's property within three months of their appointment. This inventory must detail each item and its fair market value at the time of death. A copy of the inventory must be sent to interested parties who request it (Neb. Stat. § 30-2467).

Furthermore, the personal representative can close the estate by filing a verified statement with the court, confirming that all claims have been settled and assets distributed. This statement must be sent to all distributees and creditors (Neb. Stat. § 30-24,117).