Probate is a living nightmare, but maybe not for HKS. When I was my mom’s guardian, then executrix for her will, I had to account for every nickle spent. I even took pictures of the clothes I bought her, and saved all the receipts, including all personal care items. The probate judge was a real asshole, and no way was I going to get burned.
Taxes are allowed to be paid, of course. If we’re talking about “Hot Smoochie Lips”, then it is an asset belonging to the estate, and just like a house, the taxes need to be paid on it.
I’m sure there is someone here who can explain it further.
Unless EVERYTHING ANS owned were put in the name of her trust account, all her other assets, investment accounts, savings, lines of credit, checking etc. would pass outside of the estate and could go to whomever she named as beneficary in case of her death. It proably was first HKS or Daniel and then HKS. So he has access to EVERYTHING not specifically put into the trust. Many people create trust accounts and don’t specifically put anything other than their residence into the trust. I haven’t seen her trust.
Plus as you point out, HKS is the executor and while there is some accountability, he and a clever bookkeeper could finesse lots of expenditures and so has lots of discretionary powers to do things in that regard unless someone has filed a challenge to his position and how he is managing the estate. I don’t know, but possibly LB and Virgie don’t want to appear too money grubbing and haven’t done as much in that regard as in the custory issues.
I have a feeling that HKS and his sister engineered many things to their advantages and from their very comfortable attitudes in the TV interviews they’re not concerned that anyone can come after them.