My mom passed away a few weeks ago. I did not attend her memorial service as I am several thousand miles away and not only could not afford to go, but felt it would cause turmoil as none of my three siblings speak to me. My mom didn't have any monetary assets, but she did have a considerable amount of antiques in her house. Her will states that she wanted her possessions to be split between the four of us. She didn't specify what she wanted to go to who. My sister is the executor of the will. She will not give me a copy of the will or a death certificate. When all of them went there for the memorial service, I am fairly certain that they took everything and divided it amongst themselves. Should I wait to see if they plan on respecting my mom's wishes and including me by giving me a portion of the estate, or should I talk with an attorney? All that I would really like to have is copies of some of her photographs, though I wouldn't mind passing some of her belongings to my children.
2007-04-01 08:20:31 · 5 answers · asked by VictoryMan 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I say you get a lawyer because if they don't talk to you then they are not planning on giving you anything and my opinion is that you should of gone to the memorial
2007-04-01 08:39:07 · answer #1 · answered by Aracely 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tough situation.
Since there's not cash assets, bonds or the like, but there are antiques, some of which ought to be coming your way, you have every right, after a suitable time passes without hearing from Sister or her attorney, to contact an attorney who will undoubtedly ask for an accounting of her valuables and a copy of the will, etc.
You sister, the Executrix, would then have to give out the attorney's name who handled Mom's estate.
I think you need to bear in mind that since you and they haven't been on good speaking terms that they'll likely stall things as long as they can and possibly minimize those things your mom owned. That's another reason for involving an attorney. Ask for a free consultation first then take it from there.
The executrix gets paid if she wants to or can waive her fee. She also prob. gets reimbursed for any mileage she puts in to take care of things. But your lawyer can make you aware of all this.
GOOD LUCK AND I WISH YOU WELL.
2007-04-01 16:13:06 · answer #2 · answered by MJ D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can try to contact your sister again first, and ask her if you can have some of the things you mentioned here.
if there is an estate, who is the estate attorney? did the estate have to go through probate? if so, there was likely an attorney handling the estate. i wonder if you can call the local court house near your mom's home, to ask.
or... you can contact an attorney to represent you... he can do all of the legwork.
i'm sorry this happened. i was in a similar situation.. it's a shame when people can be so greedy. i hope it works out.
2007-04-01 15:56:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do nothing and say nothing. They're letting their greed get the best of them. What goes around comes around. Some day someone will do them dirty.
2007-04-01 15:27:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you want anything of your mothers, you probably will have to get a lawyer that can look into the will for you...
2007-04-01 15:30:21 · answer #5 · answered by bronzebabekentucky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋