Q: My father, who lived in PR, died last year. Is it too late for me to question the estate regarding his assets?
Though my father was estranged from me and my other siblings, we did talk from time to time. My half brother knew of my existence but never told me of my fathers passing. If there is no will, will my siblings, my fathers other children, be entitled to any of his assets? Or do the assets automatically belong to his current children and not us?
A:
It is not necessarily too late to inquire about your father's estate. In cases where there is no will, the laws of intestacy apply, which in Puerto Rico, as well as many jurisdictions, typically distribute assets among a decedent's children, regardless of marital status or legitimacy. You and your siblings could potentially have a claim to your father's estate.
However, the specifics can be complex and may be influenced by local laws, so it would be in your best interest to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable about inheritance law in Puerto Rico. They can provide guidance on the steps you need to take to assert your rights and can help you understand the process involved.
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.
