How can I find if my children's father had assests before his death?

Question

My children's dad died in feb. and I know he stood to inherit money and he had told me that he had life insurance, yet his present wife said that he had none. I am concerned that she is trying to keep my children from getting what their dad had left them. I'm not sure how his family will handle his inheritance but I know that she has never liked the fack that my ex would not give up his rights to his children. if it helps my ex lived in Georgia

My children are 17 and 11 and i don't nor do I want to benefit from anything. We did share joint custody and had a great friendship after our divorce, his new wife had never see that she thought we should have hated each other and did not like the fact that we remained friends

Answer 1

If he left insurance that named them beneficiaries, there is nothing his present wife could do to prevent them from being paid. The fact that they haven't been paid suggests that he didn't name them as beneficiaries on his insurance policies. The money he owned, from whatever source, would be subject to his will and probate. Again, it is unlikely that if his children were named in his will, that they wouldn't receive money, unless his assets were so small that no probate was required. If his will didn't name them, then you need to determine whether they have any statutory rights under Georgia law.

Answer 2

you can contact the country court house where he lived by mail if you live out of state and ask if his will (if he had one) was in probate court.... or any record on file.
If it was probated it would have had to have a search done to find you or your children so as to receive any monies belonging to you or them. The case would not be closed until all money was distributed according to his wishes.
This is all assuming he had it in writing and had not changed anything. Have you talked to his family? Are you still close to them? Perhaps some of them could let you know how things were done.

Answer 3

If he had a will, or not, there should be a court record. This would ordinarily be information that you could obtain.

Your question doesn't mention your children's ages, whether or not you have any joint custodial rights or just where you fit into the picture so it's difficult to offer assistance.

Perhaps you ought to add some of that information to your query.

Answer 4

You need to talk to an attorney.