Mother died 4years ago, my sister was named personal rep for the estate. It has now been over 4 years, my other sister and I ( both equal beneficiaries) have received a partial distribution and interim accounting about 2 and 1/2 yrs. Ago. Personal Rep. says that keeping the estate open as long as possible is to her benefit and she doesn't want it closed. This is all taking place in Florida. The probate judge has ordered a show cause hearing for the end of Feb. Is there anything my sister and I can do to force our other sister to close the estate? The personal rep will not answer any questions we ask, and continues to keep the estate open. Talking to the attorney who is handling the estate ( he also drew up the will for my mother) gets us nowhere. Do we have any rights at all? It certainly seems like we don't.

Hi,
Have you talked with a lawyer? Not the estate lawyer.
Call a reputable lawyer in your area, one who is experienced with estates. Ask him/her for an appointment, and get a Professional opinion.
You might be able to have your own lawyer file a "show cause" motion with the court, about settling the estate faster.
I am not a lawyer, but do suggest you ask one about it.
Best of luck to you, and I hope it turns out OK, faster.

I have accessed the county clerk site in Florida. The probate judge has issued a show cause order and scheduled a hearing because the estate did not close within the time frame he allotted to my sister and the attorney. Hopefully, this will move things along.

You need your own attorney to represent you.