My father died about 6 years ago, he was a meticulous book keeper and very specific about how he spent his money. He made very good money and always lived well below his means. He owned his home before he remarried. He was also a very fair man and split things up evenly. I was his only child, but if I got a gift of $100, my step-siblings got the exact same amount,etc.
I have a step-sister and step-brother.
He told me that his will stipulated that if he were to die first his estate would first pass to his wife to be certain that she had her needs met. This did not surprise me.
Upon his death my step-mother told me he left me $1000 but later said she was wrong and it was $5000. I found that odd. I never saw any will or other written proof.
My step-mother recently died and her daughter is the executor. I have recieved a personal check from my step-sister for a few thousand dollars and a handful of my father's personal belongings. I checked and the house has been transfered into my step-siblings names. I have seen no official documents once again. I have contacted the county for the probated wills and they should be on their way.
I am stunned, I don't know if I am being ripped off, if I wasn't protected in the first place by my father or what. I expected the estate would be split three ways, with possible gifts to our children. Could these wills have been probated without an attorney? Any advice?
I have a step-sister and step-brother.
He told me that his will stipulated that if he were to die first his estate would first pass to his wife to be certain that she had her needs met. This did not surprise me.
Upon his death my step-mother told me he left me $1000 but later said she was wrong and it was $5000. I found that odd. I never saw any will or other written proof.
My step-mother recently died and her daughter is the executor. I have recieved a personal check from my step-sister for a few thousand dollars and a handful of my father's personal belongings. I checked and the house has been transfered into my step-siblings names. I have seen no official documents once again. I have contacted the county for the probated wills and they should be on their way.
I am stunned, I don't know if I am being ripped off, if I wasn't protected in the first place by my father or what. I expected the estate would be split three ways, with possible gifts to our children. Could these wills have been probated without an attorney? Any advice?
