My father passed away last year overseas and left no will.?

Question

We are trying to access his closed bank accounts as he took a large sum of money with him O/S. According to the bank, only his wife, who is O/S and uncooperative, can access his accounts. Is there any way around this so we can see what he did with this large sum of money prior to leaving the country?

Answer 1

You need to find the laws in your state regarding "intestate succession". THat means if someone dies without a will, a state will "order" who is next in line to take the "goods". The majority of states declair the wife, but certain situaitons may arise where states may recognize common law marriages others dont, etc.... If you specify what state you are from, it will be easier to give you a definate answer. Good luck!

Answer 2

It's his wife's money now unless he was living in France. You need to get an attorney in the country where he died. In France you would be entitled to a portion of his estate whether he left a will or not.

Probate in other countries is often very different from the US.

Answer 3

If this is your "Blood Relative" under Federal Law you can Probate the Estate and file for Division of assets as a Surviving Sibling "Entitled" to a Portion of Your Fathers Assets.

Answer 4

If he has no will, then the property passes according to the laws of whatever state or country it happens to be in.

In most jurisdictions, without a will, the wife inherits everything.

Answer 5

You have to move a competent court and get a decree in your favour, as legal heir with equal claims with spouse of deceased: may be a difficult case, but a good one!

Answer 6

If that's the case, the money doesn't have anything to do with you.

Answer 7

I hope you know how selfish you sound. I'm not tryin to be mean or anything. I don't know!