Charlotte, NC asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Tennessee

Q: Can I petition to be executor of my deceased step-grandpas estate? A will hasn’t been located

He married my granny who died 3yr ago. Both told the immediate family they wanted me as executor. My grandpa had no children of his own, no siblings, and his parents are deceased. We have been unable to contact any remote relatives. They have real estate that has been in my granny’s family for years and we are trying to keep it with family. I lived with them for several years, my drivers license has their address, and my name is on the utility bill. I want to settle his debts and ensure the property stays with family. I believe he may have a safety deposit box with a will but I cannot access it because I haven’t located paperwork naming me executor. Is there a work around?

1 Lawyer Answer
Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Columbia, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: Any interested adult person can serve as an administrator- it is usually a family member and there is a state statute which sets a priority, but it since he has no close relatives, the Court would likely choose you since you are willing to volunteer for the job. The job has some responsibility and be prepare to obtain a bond.

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.