Definitely agree with Nina. Hire another attorney and have them assist with either finishing the file or possibly getting some funds back from the first attorney. It's not always that simple though.

No. There is no law regarding the size of a deposit. There are quite a few factors that go into buying a home and identifying the deposit amount. Speak with your realtor or speak with a real estate attorney. Many attorneys (my firm included) like to speak to real estate clients early in the process... View More

First sorry for your loss. I know this must be a very frustrating time for you.

Once someone passes away a power of attorney would not be valid, even if you had one. What you may need to do is file with the local Probate Court. They will give you a Fiduciary Certificate. You can provide... View More

You file an application with the probate court in the state of domicile. There are a few different forms that may need to be filed depending on your circumstances. Also some assets may have a beneficiary already listed, or may be jointly held. In those cases you need to file forms with the... View More

There are not quite enough facts to answer this question. There are enough facts to let you know that you should reach out to a lawyer. These types of things can be a bit more complicated than a message board can fully explain.

Probably yes. There are a few other factors that may matter but having three witnesses means its valid even if one is disqualified. Hope this helps.

The final step before releasing funds would usually be when the executor files a Final Account with the Probate Court. The probate process can in many cases take over a year. Let me know if you have any additional questions.

The next step is your brother has to gather all assets and report them to the court. Ultimately probate is a very public process but there are lots of items that can be confusing. If you want to give me a call I would be happy to give you a no charge full consult on whether or not you will need... View More

Well while hire a lawyer may be the right answer many people navigate the process without a lawyer. My suggestion is one of three things:

1. Call the local probate court. Sometimes they can guide you on navigating probate without a lawyer. They actually publish a guide.... View More

Less risk of the client stealing or losing the money. Lawyers tend to have better record keeping. That being said if the client was say a trained accountant there would be very little benefit. The probate code generally assumes the Executor or Administrator holds the money. Lawyers are holding it... View More

The Executor should control the money. They are legally responsible for the funds. Sometimes lawyers do hold money in their client fund accounts but the actual obligation is on the Executor. Bonus of the lawyer holding the funds is you have other state protections and potentially the lawyers... View More

It would make sense to schedule a meeting with a probate attorney to discuss all the next steps. You could attempt to navigate the probate process yourself without an attorney. If you attempt that route, you should reach out to the local probate court who can provide you necessary forms etc.... View More

Short answer is yes you should get an attorney. There are a lot of variables that can define what the next steps will be. Generally since the State of Connecticut is asking you questions that means you need to consider carefully answering their questions. It does not sound like you did anything... View More

Code to what? You should probably schedule a consult to go over the details. If your dad owned real property in his name probate is required. If he had any property in his name probate is probably required.

You will need to file ancillary probate in Connecticut. The next steps depend on the size of the bank account.

When international status is involved you should probably contact an attorney. Give my office a call. Happy to help.

More than likely yes both spouses will need to go through probate. Generally the cost is actually more to do two simultaneous probates than if you had done them when the death happened. The passage of time causes a variety of complications. You should seek out a consultation to go over the exact... View More

This is a complicated question. You are most likely not responsible for it but you are probably the beneficiary of it. Spouses are not responsible for their spouses, debt so long as it is not medical debt. When someone passes without a will in Connecticut the wife usually inherits. How much... View More

While Nicole is correct on most of what she is saying with respect to probate and expense paying, she did not mention a very important state Statute

Connecticut has a law that requires spouses to pay most medical expenses: C.G.S. §46b-37(b)(4) which can be read at:... View More

An attorney is not required in Connecticut to go through the probate process. Though it is generally a huge help. Probate in CT is a complicated process in which you may not even realize a mistake was made for many years after the estate was "closed". To avoid these types of issues I... View More

It would make sense to hire an attorney or at the very least write a letter to the Probate Court. You are in a tough situation that is not black and white. Generally the court is ok with someone staying in the home for about 6 months. After that it becomes rather inappropriate. As to the split of... View More