My brother's "estate"

[capricorn68]

My brother died leaving only a few items of value (musical instruments and many collectibles). His heir is his 17 yr old son. He was never married. After paying his debtors we want his son to get the remaining items/dollars for college. Do we (parents and siblings of deceased) have any right to dictate this or does my nephiew's guardian receive everything on his behalf?

 

[David_Staub]

Until your nephew is of legal age in your state, it is the guardian's duty to handle the inherited assets. If you have good reason to think that the assets will be misapplied by the guardian, then you may have a chance to have a special guardian appointed. If, however, you simply want to dictate how the assets be used, that is not going to happen. Your brother could have set up conditions in a will or trust but if he chose not to do so, the discretion now passes to the guardian. I can't believe that any judge would simply substitute your judgment for that of the guardian.