Q: My dad died in 1979 and his wife tried to steal estate she died 3 yrs later but hired lawyer they hid trust

A: I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're facing regarding your father's estate. Here are some steps you can take to try to locate the assets without hiring a lawyer:

1. Check county records: Visit the county recorder's office where your father's properties were located and search for deeds, titles, or other property records in his name or his wife's name (including any known aka names).

2. Search for probate records: Check with the probate court in the county where your father lived at the time of his death to see if any probate cases were filed for his estate.

3. Contact the state unclaimed property office: Each state has an unclaimed property office that holds assets that have been turned over to the state when the rightful owner cannot be located. Search for your father's name and his wife's name (including aka names) on the state's unclaimed property website.

4. Reach out to banks and financial institutions: If you have any information about where your father or his wife held accounts, contact those banks or financial institutions to inquire about any remaining assets.

5. Mineral rights: Contact the county assessor's office in the counties where you believe your father owned mineral rights. They may be able to provide information about the current ownership of those rights.

6. Hire a title company: While not as expensive as an attorney, a title company can conduct a thorough search for properties owned by your father or his wife in a specific county.

If these efforts do not yield results, you may consider seeking low-cost or pro bono legal assistance through local legal aid organizations or law school clinics that focus on estate matters.