Improvements For An Estate

[Pam_R]

My jurisdiction is: New Mexico

I am the executor of my husband's will. His estate is our home. When it sells I get half and each of his children get one quarter. I would like to do improvements to the house such as a sprinkler system and stucco to the outside.

Do all involved share in the cost? Do I need their permission?

 

[dee_dub]

Almost certainly they cannot be required to share the cost.

As the executor, you may have the right (and duty) to keep the property from wasting before it is sold. These sound more like improvements than necessary maintenance, so you probably do not have the right to do them as executor.

If all the beneficiaries agree, you are probably entitled to do the improvements. Whatever arrangements you come to with the beneficiaries are your own business.

I would caution you that your overarching duty is to the estate. Don't put yourself in any conflict of interest position.