Q: My dad passed away and did not leave a will or anything. He didn't have much so not sure what my next step is. Probate??
All he has is his house which they said I am right now a potential successor in the mortgage loan, 2 vehicles, and 2 retirement accounts. One the beneficiary is a lady he dated 15 years ago and I don't know who she is or how to contact her. I just need help anywhere. I am only 25 years old. He left me nothing to go off of. I don't know what to do. Please help.
A: Yes, hire a local probate lawyer. Since your father left no Will and apparently died single, you and any siblings will have to be declared his heirs in a heirship proceeding. You can then administer his estate. Keep in mind that if the retirement accounts designate a beneficiary, they pass to that beneficiary. Probate attorneys use various databases and sometimes hire specialized private investigators to find missing heirs and beneficiaries.
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