Q: What should I do if a close friend left me property in his will but his heirs aren’t interested in opening probate?
His heirs are distant relatives and none of them want to be administrator. Also, the will is handwritten and a copy was sent to me by his cousin because she thinks it’s not fair that her other cousins aren’t taking action on his estate. Do I have any recourse? If I open probate as an interested party am I also asking to be the administrator or would the court appoint one?
A: As a beneficiary under the will you are an interested party. You could open the probate yourself.
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A: You as beneficiary may submit the original Will or, if you cannot obtain it, a copy of the original Will for probate. You will need the help of a probate lawyer who practices in the county where your friend lived and died.
A: As the other lawyers stated, since you are a possible heir, you have a right to pursue the probate yourself. You should consult with a probate lawyer in the appropriate state and town as you will need their assistance.
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