My birth mother died about 3 years ago. I know she has a lot of money in insurance but she re-married (step dad)about 5 years ago. Now, my step dad has married again. Do I get half of the insurance money at all? Or will the money get divided into 3 parts: 1 for me, 1 for the step dad, and one for the step dads wife? I'm only 16 so its hard for me to get a lawyer. Please help me.
2007-08-08 04:25:46 · 16 answers · asked by Troubled 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Step mom takes all.................. BCS 1;23@6
2007-08-09 02:12:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, your step dads new wife isnt entitled to a dime of your mothers life insurance money. Second, you need to find out if you were listed as what is called a beneficiary on the insurance policy. If you were then you are entitled to whatever percent your mother listed on her insurance policy. An important factor is who now has custody of you? Is it your step father? Did he adopt you? Whomever has custody of you is legally entitled to receive your benefits (money) from the life insurance policy. As a minor you cannot legally sign any documentation or receive life insurance money (unless you are legally immancipated). They are suppossed to either use it for your care or save it until you are 18, at which time it is yours. My mother passed away in 2005 and had an insurance policy as well. Feel free to msg me if you need more help. Good luck.
2007-08-08 11:35:16 · answer #2 · answered by LC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It totally depends on the directions she made when she died.
Everything could go to your stepfather, or it could all go to you. Or split amongst the 2 of you. Either way it would be put into a trust until you're 18.
Your step dads wife would most likely receive nothing in her name.
I would talk to your step dad and find out the arrangements made at death. You're entitled to money as she was your mother, but please don't base your life upon it either. Remember your mom for bringing you into this world, not what she left behind for you!
2007-08-08 11:31:58 · answer #3 · answered by InquiringMinds 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if your mother had a Will, her belongings and finances will be divided up as she requested. You could ask if she had one?
as for life insurance, we name the people we want to leave the money to when we buy the policy. you can ask for a copy of that to see.
another thing you can do is go to the courthouse to see if her estate is in probate...just ask the people at the information desk, and they will direct you to the proper office. any documents which are on file, are public record and you have the right to get a copy (you will have to ask what their fees might be?).
she may have left you something which you will get after you're 18 or 21....
perhaps you could, alternatively, ask the step dad? he might know.
take care.
2007-08-08 11:42:28 · answer #4 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on who she designated as beneficiaries and how she designated them. Most life insurance polices have the spouse as getting 100% if that spouse is still alive, unless it is designated in her will. If your step father was no longer alive when your mother died, it would go to you and any siblings you have equally. But since he is still alive, he gets 100% unless designated otherwise. There should have been a probate hearing with a lawyer shortly after your mother died to divide up the assets, but my guess, you were too young to attend and your step father acted on your behalf. Depending on what state you live in, you can get free legal help, do some searching online, search for "free legal help in ______ (state you live in". Good luck!
2007-08-08 11:36:02 · answer #5 · answered by a_k 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who get what depends on what state you live in and whether or not your mother left a will. Have you talked to your stepfather about this? He might be able to show you in writing what your mother's wishes were.
If you really think you need a lawyer, look in the blue pages of your phone book, find your city or county and look up "legal aid." They will talk to you for free and tell you what you need to do. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, get a trusted adult to do it for you (and aunt, uncle, grandparent, etc.)
2007-08-08 12:49:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on who she lists as beneficiaries. If you are not listed at all, you won't get any money, unless your step dad agrees to gift you money. Otherwise, your share will be determined by her specifications to the insurance company.
2007-08-08 11:36:18 · answer #7 · answered by KatJones37 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a copy of her insurance policy - if she owned it alone, then the beneficiaires cannot be changed as she has passed away and if you are listed as a beneficiary, then you will get your share at 18 or 21.
2007-08-08 11:28:21 · answer #8 · answered by Stefka 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
His new wife isn't entitled to any of it. Talk with someone older you trust that can help you figure out what to do. Sometimes you can talk to a lawyer for free for advice. Call around and see if you can find one that will.
2007-08-08 11:29:05 · answer #9 · answered by comeundone4162 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You only get what your mother left you. If you feel you've been cheated, you may have to get a lawyer.
2007-08-08 11:30:00 · answer #10 · answered by Califiyah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
stop being selfish and greedy!!! your 16, if i were you itd take me a little more over 3 years to finally get over the death of my mother and start thinking about her money and how much she was worth. get a life that doenst revolve around how much money you get kay???
2007-08-08 11:29:22 · answer #11 · answered by Natalia 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋