Q: Am I legally allowed to be the administrator or a co-admin of my grandfather's estate while his son (my uncle) is alive?
My estranged uncle is petitioning to become the administrators of, first, his mother's estate (my step-grandmother), and then, second, his father's estate (my biological grandfather), essentially double dipping. My uncle had two sisters (my mother and aunt, both deceased). My mother had two children (still alive). My aunt had three children (two still alive). My uncle was duplicitous in getting our contact information for his petition. His attorney never sent us a notification with a court date or docket number to appear in court to affirm or contest his petition. He abandoned my grandfather's co-op for 10 years never notifying us that it was still available and leaving it currently in arrears of $72,000. There is more to this classic tale of and good versus evil filled with greed, deception and betrayal, but, for now, I want to know if I can have his request enjoined or at least become a co-admin to ensure an equitable distribution for all - the four of us and him?
A: You can object. As next of kin, he has priority, but the court can refuse him.
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