Q: My father just passed away and I'm trying to figure out how do I handle his stuff?
EDIT: If the answer doesn't include anything related to the process and just says HIRE A LAWYER, dont bother
A: You need to hire a lawyer where your father died and seek to be appointed the administrator. This will give you the power to act regarding your father's estate.
A:
Well while hire a lawyer may be the right answer many people navigate the process without a lawyer. My suggestion is one of three things:
1. Call the local probate court. Sometimes they can guide you on navigating probate without a lawyer. They actually publish a guide. http://www.ctprobate.gov/Documents/User%20Guide%20%20-%20Administration%20of%20Decedents'%20Estates.pdf
2. Schedule a consult with an attorney. Many of them will give you a quick intake on whether you need an attorney or not. Simply put if the facts are so simple it will be pretty hard for the lawyer to charge you a fee that make it worth their time. I usually give people some free pointers and send them on their way if they do not need me. The funny thing about probate is if it needs an attorney it usually comes back around. The process can be very frustrating.
3, Hire an attorney to figure it out for you.
If you want to talk feel free to reach out to me.
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