What to do if my brother’s pilfered my father’s estate?
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What to do if my brother’s pilfered my father’s estate?
My father passed away almost a month ago. There are 5 surviving children and no spouse. He has been estranged for his children for over 30 years now. My 2 brothers flew out to there and went through his house the day after he died; a neighbor let them in. They are not sharing any information of what they found with the rest of the siblings. But I have received a bill for 1/5th of the final cremation expenses. What should be happening right now? How do I find out if there was a will and what assets he may have had?
Asked on July 15, 2012 under Estate Planning, Colorado
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss and for the situation. Any probate proceeding - with a Will or intestate - would be filed in the probate court in the county in which he resided att he time of his death. You as a potential heir at law should get notice of any proceeding filed so possibly nonthing has been done. You have the same right to file as your siblings absent a Will naming an executor. If the estate assets have been "dissipated" by any one the executor can go after those parties. Get help. Good luck.
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