Q: Mother died. hid will. Lawyer deceased. Called his office..done long before computer files. What now?
A:
Did you also check the Probate Court in your mother's county? Frequently they 'store' wills for people who request that service. It may also be in a safe deposit box (even though that is a REALLY bad place to store a will!) Has someone actually GONE THROUGH all here papers and her house? People my 'hide' things but with effort it can often be 'found'.
The bottom line is that if you cannot find a will or even a copy of it, you will be forced to probate the estate based on intestate succession.
Seek local legal help to explain what that involves and how you begin the process. It is not ideal, but it should work.
-- This answer is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney/client relationship.
I am licensed to practice in Michigan only. Please seek competent local legal help if you feel you need legal advice
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.