Q: My grandfather passed with no will. His girlfriend is refusing to give us his personal belongings. What can we do?
A: The girlfriend has no right to anything. The next of kin should file a petition for administration and seek to be appointed administrator. That will give the administrator the power to seize all assets.
A: Consult a lawyer concerning the appointment of a temporary administrator. A temporary administrator has limited court authority generally to collect and protect the assets of the estate.
A: The administrator of an estate has the authority to collect the decedent's assets. Someone must petition the probate court for appointment of an administrator for one to be appointed and for letters of administration to be issued to such person. I recommend that you consult with a probate attorney.
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