Q: Where to begin with my girlfriend's family holding her inheritance?
Her mother passed away in August 2021, and was told by stepfather to come and get her $80,000 inheritance. She was given specific information regarding where and how to pick it up, but upon arriving, stepfather told her to go away. He claims to have given everything to her brother, including her mother's jewelry and vehicle she was also promised. There is no will, but after doing some research in the court records, the house her mother lived in is currently in a trust (?). One other important bit, my girlfriend's grandmother did have a will and it makes mention of her assets passing to my girlfriend's mother, then to my girlfriend and her brother. We really don't know where to begin, her brother will not return any calls.
A:
Your girlfriend should call a probate lawyer. Also, if you're in Denver, the Probate Court there has some resources available where she may be able to get some generalized advice or help. (Information available here: https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/Denver_Probate/Index.cfm) Other courts may also have self-help centers where she might get some generalized advice or help.
I don't practice in probate, so I don't know the timelines, deadlines, and statutes of limitations. But since the date you give above is over 2 years ago, I would urge your girlfriend to call a probate lawyer asap. Good luck.
(Disclaimer: This general advice is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. You are not my client. I am not your attorney.)
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