What happens if the executor breaches their duty?

When an executor breaches their duty in Washington, the individual(s) that appointed the executor may have to intervene. This is because the executor is a fiduciary who is entrusted with the responsibility of handling the estate and they must always act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. If the executor fails to do this, the beneficiaries of the estate can file a legal claim against them. If a claim is filed, a court may order the executor to compensate the beneficiaries for any losses that were sustained due to their breach. This could include compensatory damages, punitive damages, and reimbursement for the expenses that were incurred in order to bring the claim. Sometimes, a breach of fiduciary duty can be so severe that the executor can be held personally liable and may even have to reimburse the estate or be subject to criminal penalties. If this happens, the executor may have to pay fines, restitution, and other court-ordered penalties. A breach of fiduciary duty can also lead to the executor being removed from their position. This means that they will no longer have the right to manage the estate and will be replaced by an individual who is better suited to the task. In summary, when an executor breaches their duty in Washington, the individual(s) that appointed them may have to intervene and the executor may be held liable for any losses that were sustained due to their breach. In extreme cases, the executor may even be subject to criminal penalties.

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What happens if the executor breaches their duty?

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