It depends. Although an executor must always prioritize the beneficiaries’ best interests, their primary responsibility is to administer the deceased person’s estate according to the terms of their will. In other words, if a beneficiary takes issue with an executor’s decisions, but the executor’s decisions align with the terms of the will, an executor generally could override the beneficiary.
On the other hand, there are some ways in which an executor cannot override a beneficiary. For example, if a beneficiary requests a copy of the will, they cannot refuse them. In the same vein, if the beneficiary requests an accounting, the executor must provide it to them.
As a general rule, the executor cannot override a beneficiary if doing so would impinge on their rights. However, the executor — depending on whether they have been granted limited or full authority — can make certain unilateral decisions. While involving beneficiaries in the process might cause less conflict, it is not always a requirement for them to do so.
That said, executors do sometimes misuse their authority, so you should not shy away from challenging them if their actions seem suspect. If you have questions, a probate attorney can help you figure out what an executor can and cannot do.
