Access to property

[csab63]

My father died recently and I am one of 3 executors. One of the other executors has gone off with the keys and refuses to give a key to me or the other executor. Is it ok for me to change the locks and get enough keys cuts so we can all have keys and there are extra keys for estate agent, neighbour etc?

[csab63]

I was planning to get a locksmith to accompany me. CSAB63

[Nosha123]

what is his reason for not giving you both keys??? Odd...

[csab63]

The executor (and a beneficairy like me) is known as being difficult and I think she is jealous that I am my father's daughter and she is only a friend. A long story but very stressful for me as next of kin. Having the keys is her way of having power of me and preventing me having access to his house, which I think is illegal. The third executor is very weak and ineffectual.

[Nosha123]

If you are a beneficiary and she is also - how can she prevent you from having access to a property which in effect is due to be handed down to you jointly??
Demand the keys or threaten legal action... (not sure what the legalities are but it could work... especially if she is a bit dumb)

[brenda]

Yes threaten legal action as said , but tell her that you are going to the police right now to report that the keys have been stolen by her from you and the other exec.
I think you are going to have to call her bluff and play a bit dirty in this case.
Absolutely disgraceful in my view.

The police may not want to know initially , but if you make a big song and dance about it they will listen , especially if you casually mention that you believe she may be about to empty the house and sell off the contents.

[csab63]

She refuses to speak to me so getting the lock changed is my only option. She relies on the third executor to drive her so I can give the third executor a new key as well as the other interested parties.

[Eve]

Would it not maybe be better to confront the general issue and maybe try and come to some agreement that a solicitor or other party handles the matters.

Be careful you don't get into a tit for tat scenario where you change the locks, she does etc...

[csab63]

I was going to inform everybody including the solicitor afterwards and get keys for the interested parties. He knows that I am entitled to go in to collect what my father has left me. I know she has been going in without me but I believe with the other executor so I don't if she has taken anything that was left to me.