Q: My mother just passed away unexpectedly, and had no will. She just purchased a home 2 months ago
She had no will and was not married. She has 4 kids, one being a minor. What happens to her estate and what steps do we take next?
A: I am sorry to hear of your loss. If a person dies without a will, the person is said to die "intestate." The estate of a person who dies intestate is administered by an administrator. An administrator is appointed by the appropriate probate court after the filing of a petition for letters of administration. The administrator is required to administer the estate in accordance with applicable law. What administration of any particular estate entails depends on the facts and circumstances of the particular estate. I recommend that you seek the advice of a probate attorney, who can advise you after an analysis of the pertinent facts related to your mother's estate. This response is intended to provide general information only, and not legal advice about your particular situation.
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