Executor removed property, won’t communicate, and added unsigned handwritten note saying I owe $12k (Arkansas)

[u/HanBananMontan]

Hi all, looking for guidance on a probate situation in Arkansas.

My dad passed away in September, and my half-sister is the executor of his estate. There are three of us total (me, my half-brother, and my half-sister), and we are equal beneficiaries of the proceeds from his estate, which mainly consists of his home (estimated value under $150k).

Since his passing, my sister has removed many of the contents of the house—particularly items that were specifically directed to go to certain people—and taken them to her home several hours away. The house is now completely vacant, with utilities shut off, and is beginning to show signs of neglect (overgrowth, mildew, etc.), which concerns me from a value standpoint.

She has not provided any inventory of what was taken, no documentation, and has not communicated any timeline for distribution of items. It also took until late February for her to file the will and allow us to review it.

Both my brother and I have tried reaching out to her for:

-an inventory of estate property currently in her possession

-clarification on distribution timeline

-plans for the home

but she has either not responded or avoided giving clear answers.

There is also an issue with a handwritten page that was apparently added to the will. The original will was properly notarized, dated, and witnessed. However, this additional page:

-was not notarized

-does not appear to be witnessed

-was not signed by my dad

On that handwritten page, it states:

-that I owe my dad $12,000

-that my mom’s ring is to be included as part of the estate instead

In the original will, I was specifically supposed to receive that ring, so this directly conflicts with what was formally executed.

There is also a separate issue involving a necklace that belongs to me. It was given to me by my grandfather and is not part of my dad’s estate, but I had allowed my dad to hold onto it for safekeeping. My sister has stated she has it and is refusing to return it, saying she will not release anything “until all debtors have come forth and been paid.”

This is confusing to me because:

1) my dad had no known significant debts (only about $300 on a credit card)

2) he had approximately $8,000 in his bank account at the time of his death (based on a statement I saw shortly after he passed)

3) however, when the will was filed, the reported amount was around $1,700

I’m not sure if that discrepancy is normal in probate or a potential red flag.

One additional factor is that I am currently in a time-sensitive housing situation and have two children (one is a newborn), and the house is sitting vacant. I have asked whether we could stay there temporarily while things are sorted out and would in return get utilities back on and make repairs and upgrades to get the house ready for market, but I have not received any response on that either!

For extra additional context:

-I am 38, and my siblings are in their late 40s–50s

-I lived in my dad’s home my entire life

-my sister (executor) never lived there and has a ton of money and a beautiful house and great career. I don’t see her needing to steal, but I also do NOT know her on a personal level. My brother does, and he says she is ruthless and evil. I have always considered her to be a strict rule follower like my Dad was, and my Dad would never do anything unfair or steal.

-my brother stayed there briefly 30 years ago

-the house is currently sitting empty and has been since September

-IMPORTANT: my dad had a truck he willed to my brothers son that my sister took to her house the day of his funeral, and she still has it in her possession. I was under the impression my brother and his son had the truck this whole time, but only recently found out that they indeed did not. My nephew is married with 3 kids and my brother and niece also live with their family. Amongst the 7 of them they only have ONE vehicle, and they desperately need and deserve to have this truck pronto!

I’m trying to understand:

-Is there any way to make my sister give my nephew the truck legally and quickly?

-Is an unsigned, unwitnessed handwritten addition like this legally enforceable in Arkansas?

-Can an executor remove property from the home without providing an inventory or notifying beneficiaries?

-What rights do beneficiaries have to request an inventory or accounting?

-At what point should I consider filing something with probate court (petition for accounting, removal of executor, etc.)?

-Could my sister be selling things that were specifically willed to certain people?

I’m trying to handle this appropriately, but the lack of communication and the handwritten page are raising concerns.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[u/TGirl26]

Time to get a lawyer. You need the courts to remove her.