What is the name of your state?My father lived in Minnesota
I live in Illinois.
Few days I got informed that my father died.
I am his first son, from first marriage. He also had second son, and second he divorced.
I did not have any contact with my father for more than 10 years, so I know very little about him. I do not know his last address.
Here is what I know.
- probably there is no will.
- his second son was appointed administrator
Now, I know very little about my rights and responsibilities. i would be very grateful if you could answer my questions.
1) People who informed me about my father told me that they reminded his second wife (because her son is administrator) about my existence. She replied it is good to know, and she will send me the bill for all ceremonies.
I think she has no right to do that. Is this correct?
I am obliged to pay for anything?
2) My fathers family want his ashes to be brought to europe. On the other way, his second wife told them she want him to be buried where he lived , as fast as possible. I think the reason for this is money, but I do not agree with this.
As his family, I also want my father's ashes to be sent to europe.
Who decides about this? How can I contradict if the decision is not what I and father's family want?
3) I think that there is no will left, but I still would like to verify this. Where can I check this? I don't have last address of my father - can I get it somewhere?
4) Father's family suggested that his second ex-wife, and her son (administrator) may try to fraud the estate. I don't know them, so I don't know if I can trust them or not.
I found on the web that for some cases, if there is no will, the court my simplify the procedure, and all things are done by the administrator, with minimal involvement of the court.
How can check the state of this case?
5) I have no idea if my father was poor or rich guy.
Is there any way I can check what he left?
6) Is administrator supposed to contact me, or I should contact him? How do I get his contact info?
7) How long it usually takes to settle all things related to person's death?
Thanks!
JM
I live in Illinois.
Few days I got informed that my father died.
I am his first son, from first marriage. He also had second son, and second he divorced.
I did not have any contact with my father for more than 10 years, so I know very little about him. I do not know his last address.
Here is what I know.
- probably there is no will.
- his second son was appointed administrator
Now, I know very little about my rights and responsibilities. i would be very grateful if you could answer my questions.
1) People who informed me about my father told me that they reminded his second wife (because her son is administrator) about my existence. She replied it is good to know, and she will send me the bill for all ceremonies.
I think she has no right to do that. Is this correct?
I am obliged to pay for anything?
2) My fathers family want his ashes to be brought to europe. On the other way, his second wife told them she want him to be buried where he lived , as fast as possible. I think the reason for this is money, but I do not agree with this.
As his family, I also want my father's ashes to be sent to europe.
Who decides about this? How can I contradict if the decision is not what I and father's family want?
3) I think that there is no will left, but I still would like to verify this. Where can I check this? I don't have last address of my father - can I get it somewhere?
4) Father's family suggested that his second ex-wife, and her son (administrator) may try to fraud the estate. I don't know them, so I don't know if I can trust them or not.
I found on the web that for some cases, if there is no will, the court my simplify the procedure, and all things are done by the administrator, with minimal involvement of the court.
How can check the state of this case?
5) I have no idea if my father was poor or rich guy.
Is there any way I can check what he left?
6) Is administrator supposed to contact me, or I should contact him? How do I get his contact info?
7) How long it usually takes to settle all things related to person's death?
Thanks!
JM