Q. I am listed as the sole beneficiary to my Uncle Zach’s estate, valued at about $500,000. My Uncle died six months ago and I have not heard anything from the executor, who is a friend of my Uncle’s. I know that on some of my uncle’s bank accounts, I am listed as beneficiary, but on a couple of them I am not. I’m also not sure if there was a life insurance policy, but I think there was, in a small amount — about $10,000 — to cover his funeral. When I ask questions from the executor, I am not answered. At what point is it appropriate to get my own lawyer to look into these things for me and to give me an outline and timeline on asset distribution? —Lucia M.
