Q: Grandfather died,left everything to my deceased father. My cousin wants me to sign a non-compete form. Why?
Due to issues with my mother and my grandfather, I never knew my grandfather. My grandfather passed away in August 2017, and left everything to my father, who died in 2002. The only one that had a relationship with my grandfather, is my second cousin. My second cousin has been excluded from the will. He didn't even tell me my grandfather died until a month ago. He keeps asking me to come to his house to sign a non-compete form regarding my grandfather's will and estate. He says that he just wants to cover all bases, it's nothing I need to be concerned with. But, I do not know exactly what is in the will, I only know that everything was left to my father. My grandfather had a live-in partner but he never married her. My cousin and her had a lawyer draw up non-compete forms for me to sign. He says the only thing that was in his well as a crappy home trailer. Why would he be so concerned with me signing a non-compete form, if I have nothing to do with it? Or do I? Thanks.
A:
You totally have something to do with it ... if you want to inherit the crappy home trailer and anything else that might be in your grandfather's estate. Based strictly on what you are sharing here for information, it seems like you (and any of your siblings) are in line to inherit your father's share of the estate.
There is no such thing as a non-compete form in Maine probate law, so I don't know what that's all about. I do believe, however, that your cousin and your grandfather's ex-partner are interested in keeping you from getting anything which is an excellent clue that there is something to get. You should absolutely consult a lawyer directly to dig a little deeper.
You can also research stuff like this at maineprobate.net.
Best of luck!
- Joe
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