What should I do about my fathers estate now that he is gone?

Question

I was notified that my dad died on Thanksgiving. I have not been in his life for 6 yrs, but I have tried numerous times to contact him. I wrote him a letter in early Nov. but never mailed it, so now I have to live with that regret for the rest of my life. Dad was struggling with lung cancer when his home caught fire on Thanksgiving, he died from smoke inhalation. Now my mother is telling me to find out if he had a will or life insurance. I'm struggling with what to do now. All I really want is a few pictures of him, but my mom says I need to get what is rightfully mine. Anyone with some advice???

Answer 1

i feel sorry for u

Answer 2

So sorry for your loss and your feelings of regret.
First was your dad married to another person? If so you need to call, write or have a person represent you in calling or writing that person and asking for some time with that person to discuss your feeling and wanting to have something physical to remember your dad by.
You might also want to find out if your dad had a will or living trust registered with a lawyer or in another persons name.
Again I am sorry for your loss.

Answer 3

Depends on what the laws are in your state. Did he have other children? Did he have a wife? If you are the closet living relative and he did not have a will I would think you are entitled to his estate. You will need to have the will probated. And you may have to fend off relatives for his estate. Contact estate attorney and they can walk you through this.

PS any debt he had will be taken out of his estate.

Answer 4

She is right, you should look into his estate.

Other wise it could go to the state or some distant relative.

Donate some of it in his name to the cancer charity of your choice.

Answer 5

Get a lawyer.