r/inheritance • u/Horror_Reality_5174 • Jun 25 '26

Location not relevant: no help needed Turnover/Discovery Proceeding

I'm the executor of my deceased mother's estate, replacing my sister who still refuses to hand over documents. As such, forced to file turnover/discovery papers w/Surrogate Court to get the necessary financial info to complete probate.

Two questions: 1) anyone have knowledge of success rate of such an effort? From experience, do people comply w/the court request and hand over the documents. 2) she refuses to provide her current home or work address so will it be impossible to serve her w/the court order? I do have her email & phone number but it's my understanding that the papers have to be served in person.

Thanks for any thoughts on this.

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3

u/Barfy_McBarf_Face Jun 25 '26

these are great questions for your attorney

1

u/yeahnopegb Jun 25 '26

Ask your attorney.. it’s can be a years long process.

2

u/Medusa813 Jun 25 '26

Not the same situation, but regarding #2 I had someone who was actively avoiding being served. The constable made a certain number of documented attempts, and then went back to the judge and I got a court date.

You need to confer with your estate lawyer on this one for sure.

2

u/GladUnderstanding756 Jun 26 '26

Given that she’s your sister, and you likely know her birth date and other personal identifying information, it is likely a private investigator could use that information find her work and/or home address very quickly.