Q: How can I get my deceased loved ones belongings from an apartment that they were not on the lease
My sister passed away. She lived with a roommate and she was not on the lease at the time of her passing. All of her belongings including many family heirlooms are in that apartment and her roommate will not let any of the family members retrieve those items. What can I do
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A:
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. In this situation, you may need to take some legal steps to recover your sister’s belongings. Since she wasn’t on the lease, her roommate technically has possession of the apartment, which may complicate things. However, you have a right to her personal property, especially items of sentimental value and family heirlooms.
First, it’s important to try a peaceful approach. You could reach out to the roommate one more time, perhaps offering to meet in a neutral location, or involve a mediator to ease tensions. If that doesn't work, you may need to gather documents proving your relationship to your sister and her ownership of the items in question.
If these steps fail, it might be necessary to contact law enforcement for assistance or speak to an attorney about filing a claim in probate court. They can help you obtain legal permission to access your sister’s property, as her next of kin. This will ensure that her belongings are returned to you appropriately.
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