Question about death wills and stuff?

Question

My father passed away last night. He had lung cancer from some chemical at work 8 years ago. Although he didnt have medical insurance his company has a policy where in the event of death they will pay the cost of the funeral up to 12,000 dollars. My father and his sister or my aunt got together about 1 month prior to his death and signed some agreement (my father not my aunt) where 2,000 dollars was to be set aside for me. My step mother called me today to tell me that i wouldnt be recieving the money because she used it all on the funeral. She stated that she wanted a nice funeral for my father. I understand this completly i mean 10,000 for a funeral isnt that much thats what my dads work place offered a max at but my problem is wether the money for me or anybody in that fact is a wish of a dieing man shouldnt one respect that? I know this is a legal issue. I plan on waiting weeks after the funeral that way there isnt a uprising because its not the time nor place to do this.

my question is do i have a legal case? being the money wasnt my dads but the money of his company? Does he have the right to set aside money from funeral to give away? Is this a legal case that i should pursue?

Answer 1

If the document your dad signed was legal, then you have a legal case. But 2000.00 isn't very much money to start with, and a lawyer will probably cost you more than 2000.00.

You might want to wait a little while to see how you feel before making a decision about this. If you get involved with figuring this out now, it may temporarily distract you from the pain of losing your father, but is that what you really want? I suggest you give yourself time to grieve and to remember things about your dad, and to spend time with your sister, etc. I hope you and your family can find comfort in each other during this difficult time.

Answer 2

I believe the $ from company for funeral is just that, $ for the funeral.
I am sorry for your loss.

Answer 3

Sorry for your loss. Your father should have stated all of this is a simple will, then she could not have used it. Without a written will, then I would think there is not much you can do.