Detailed Answer

Short answer: In New Jersey you can ask the personal representative (executor or administrator) for a written accounting and explanation of how your distribution was calculated. If the representative refuses or the explanation is incomplete, you can demand a formal accounting in the Probate Division of the Superior Court and, if necessary, file a petition asking the court to compel the representative to provide a full accounting or to challenge the distribution.

Why this matters

When someone is appointed to manage an estate, New Jersey law requires the personal representative to identify estate assets, pay valid debts and taxes, and distribute the remainder to beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy rules. Beneficiaries have the right to understand how the representative handled estate funds and how any distributions were calculated. A single unexplained payment may mask errors, undisclosed debts, improper fees, or unequal treatment of beneficiaries.

What the personal representative should provide

• An itemized inventory of estate assets and liabilities (the estate inventory).
• Records of receipts and disbursements (bank statements showing estate deposits and payments).
• A computation showing how your share was calculated (showing debts, expenses, taxes, funeral costs, administration expenses, and fees deducted before distribution).
• A copy of the will (if one exists) and any court filings related to the administration.

These duties and procedures arise from New Jersey’s probate framework (Title 3B — Estates and Fiduciaries). See general statute directory: N.J. Statutes, Title 3B. For practical probating steps and representative responsibilities, see the New Jersey Courts probate self-help pages: NJ Courts: Probate.

Practical steps to take (step-by-step)

1. Ask in writing for an explanation and records. Send a short, civil written request asking for a detailed breakdown of how your payment was calculated and copies of the estate inventory, receipts, and any accountings. Send by email and certified mail so you have proof.
2. Be specific and request deadlines. Ask for the information within a reasonable time (for example, 14 days). State that you will seek court assistance if you do not receive an adequate explanation.
3. Review the will and known estate documents. If you have access to the will, compare the distribution language to the payment you received. Note any obvious inconsistencies and collect documentation of your interest in the estate (copies of the will or beneficiary designation, letters naming you as beneficiary, etc.).
4. If the representative replies but the accounting is incomplete, ask follow-up questions. Ask how each deduction was calculated and request supporting invoices or receipts for funeral costs, attorney fees, taxes, and administrative expenses.
5. If the representative refuses or the answers don’t add up, file for a formal accounting in Probate Court. In New Jersey’s Probate Division you or your lawyer can petition the court to compel the personal representative to file a formal account and to explain distributions. The court can order production of records, hold hearings, and, if it finds misconduct or mistakes, order corrections or surcharge the representative.
6. Consider counsel and evidence preservation. If distributions are large or you suspect misconduct (self-dealing, excessive fees, hidden debts), consult a probate attorney promptly. Preserve all communications, checks, bank statements, and copies of the estate papers you receive.

Possible court actions and remedies

• The court can order the personal representative to file a formal accounting and produce supporting documentation.
• If the accounting shows improper distributions, the court can reorder distributions and force the representative to repay funds (a surcharge remedy).
• The court can remove a personal representative for misconduct, failure to perform duties, or undue delay.
• The court can approve reasonable fees to the representative and the estate attorney; if fees appear excessive, beneficiaries can object.

Timing and practical considerations

Act promptly. Delay can make it harder to trace funds and to persuade a court to act. At the same time, many administrations involve legitimate expenses and taxes that reduce distributions; a clear, itemized accounting often resolves disputes without litigation. If the estate is small, the representative may rely on an informal settlement—still, you have a right to documentation.

When to get a lawyer

Talk to a probate lawyer if:

• The representative refuses to provide records.
• Accounting information is missing or inconsistent.
• The amount is large or you suspect fraud or self-dealing.
• You want to file a petition in court to compel an accounting or to object to fees.

If you decide to hire counsel, bring the written correspondence, copies of any payments, and any estate papers you have.

Key New Jersey resources

• N.J. Statutes, Title 3B — Estates and Fiduciaries (statutory framework for probate and fiduciary duties)
• New Jersey Courts — Probate self-help (practical guidance for beneficiaries and personal representatives)

Disclaimer: This article explains general New Jersey probate principles and common steps beneficiaries take when a personal representative sends an unexplained payment. This is educational information only and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed New Jersey probate attorney.