Detailed Answer

Short answer: Under Delaware law you can (1) ask the personal representative for a written accounting and an explanation of how your share was calculated, (2) preserve all communications and documentation, and (3) if the representative refuses or provides an incomplete explanation, you can petition the probate process to compel an accounting, object to the distribution, and pursue remedies in court. These steps protect your right to understand and, if needed, challenge the calculation.

What legal rights do I have in Delaware?

Delaware’s statutes governing decedents’ estates (Title 12 of the Delaware Code) set out the duties and powers of a personal representative and provide beneficiaries with access to information about estate administration. Beneficiaries generally have a right to information about estate assets, liabilities, and distributions and may ask for an accounting or file a court petition if questions remain. For the Delaware Code and the statutory framework governing estate administration, see the Delaware Code, Title 12: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title12/.

Step-by-step approach you can take

Ask for a written accounting and explanation (informal, first step).

Send a polite, written request to the personal representative asking for a clear accounting showing: the estate inventory, expenses paid, creditor claims paid, fees or commissions charged, the calculation of your share (how the estate was divided), and any tax withholdings. Keep a copy of your request and note the date you sent it.
Review key estate documents.

Request copies of the will (if any), the order appointing the personal representative, inventory/asset list, and any accountings already filed with the court. These documents explain the legal basis for distributions and may show how the representative computed your payment.
Preserve all evidence and communications.

Keep emails, letters, bank statements, canceled checks, and any written or recorded explanations about your payment. If the representative spoke with you by phone, write a contemporaneous note summarizing that conversation (date, who you spoke with, what was said).
Request a formal accounting if needed.

If the informal request does not resolve your concerns, ask the personal representative for a formal written accounting. Under Delaware estate procedure beneficiaries commonly seek a formal accounting to show how assets were collected, debts paid, fees charged, and distributions computed.
File objections or a petition with the probate process.

If the personal representative refuses to provide an adequate accounting, you can file a petition in the probate forum handling the estate (the Register of Wills/probate docket or the court with jurisdiction). The court can order the representative to produce an accounting, explain the distribution, surcharge the representative for improper conduct, or remove the representative in serious cases.
Consider negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

Often disputes are resolved by negotiation or mediation. If negotiations fail, you can ask the court to resolve the matter. Courts can award costs and attorney fees in some cases where the representative has breached duties.
Talk to an attorney experienced in Delaware probate law.

An attorney can review the accounting and estate paperwork, advise whether the distribution was correct, and help file a petition to compel an accounting or otherwise protect your rights.

When should I act?

Act promptly. Estate administration often proceeds under deadlines (creditor notice periods, filing deadlines, and statutes of limitation for claims). The longer you wait, the harder it may be to reverse distributions or recover funds if problems exist. If you suspect mismanagement, gather documents and consult an attorney without delay.

Possible court remedies in Delaware

Order compelling the personal representative to produce a complete accounting and supporting documentation.
Objections to the accounting or to distributions, with a request for a hearing.
Surcharge (financial liability) if the representative misapplied estate assets, paid improper expenses, or committed other breaches of fiduciary duty.
Removal of the personal representative for misconduct or failure to perform duties.
Recovery of attorney fees and costs in appropriate circumstances.

How to make a clear written request (sample language)

You can adapt this short template when you write:

“I am a beneficiary of the estate of [Decedent’s initials]. I received a distribution on [date]. Please provide, within 14 days, a copy of the estate inventory, all accountings filed with the court, an itemized list of expenses and debts paid from the estate, how my share was calculated, and documentation supporting the calculation.”

Where to get help and where to file in Delaware

Start by contacting the Register of Wills or the probate clerk in the county where the estate is being administered. Delaware’s statutes and procedures for decedents’ estates are in Title 12 of the Delaware Code: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title12/. For court forms, filings, and local procedures, see the Delaware Courts website: https://courts.delaware.gov/.

Disclaimer

This information is educational only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed Delaware attorney.

Helpful Hints

Make all requests in writing and keep copies.
Ask for specific documents: inventory, accountings, receipts, bank statements, fee calculations.
Note dates and names for any verbal conversations with the personal representative.
If you get a partial answer, request the missing supporting documents specifying line items you do not understand.
Consider a limited-scope consultation with a probate attorney if the accounting is complicated or the representative refuses to cooperate.
Keep expectations realistic: minor clerical errors are common; material misallocation or improper payments are what usually justify court action.
Consider mediation before litigation — it is often faster and less expensive.