if my name is mentioned in my grandpas will, how do i go about collecting my distribution ?

Question

my grandpa just recently died 2months ago, he was a military vet, and my fathers name was mentioned in the will as well but he shortly died after my grandpa and i was wondering will i be able to collect that as well? and how do i go about receiving my distribution, because i live out of state???

Michael J Girardi · Answer

I am sorry about the loss of your grandpa and your father. If you are named as a beneficiary in your grandpa's Will, you will eventually receive your distribution (assuming there are sufficient funds in the estate) from the executor of his estate. This may take awhile, as the process of administering an estate can take some time. Your grandpa's debts and taxes have to be paid, among many other tasks. You should have receive a notice from the executor of your grandpa's estate. You can check in from time to time with this person to see how the probate process is going. 
 
As far as your father's share of your grandpa's estate, it is going to depend upon the language in your grandpa's Will whether or not you receive your father's share. It may state that your grandpa's property goes to your father and his heirs, or it may say that it goes to someone else, or it may say nothing. Additionally, because your father passed soon after, there may be an issue of survivorship. Often Wills stipulate a beneficiary must survive the decedent by X number of days in order to inherit. The notice from the executor may have included a copy of the Will. 
 
Again, I am sorry about the passing of your grandpa and father. Good luck.

Q: if my name is mentioned in my grandpas will, how do i go about collecting my distribution ?