Someone must speak to family members during the probate. In the interest of efficiency and saving money, it is often best if the personal representative keeps open lines of communication with the family. However, if that is simply not possible, then the next person likely to speak with family members is your attorney who will charge for his or her time to do so.
Remember that most people put careful thought into who they select as their personal representative. Although you may not feel like you get along with your family, you may have been selected for the job because you are better suited than other family members to keep everyone informed.
And finally, remember that serving as personal representative is not mandatory. If you are unable to perform your duties because of conflict in the family, you can decline to serve. If the family situation is particularly difficult, the family can always ask the court to appoint a neutral third party to serve as personal representative.
Douglas N. Kiger, Attorney at Law
Blado Kiger Bolan, Tacoma, Wash.