Albuquerque, NM asked in Real Estate Law, Banking, Civil Rights and Collections for New Mexico

Q: If I have my grandma's will and testament that states I am the sole err how do I go about getting what is mine..

I was just a young boy when my grandmother passed and I just found out about this will...

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: First, I'm very sorry about the loss of your grandmother. Finding out about an inheritance years later must bring up complex emotions, and it's understandable you want to handle this properly.

You'll need to contact the probate court in the county where your grandmother lived when she passed away. The court keeps records of wills and estate proceedings, and they can help you understand if the will was ever filed and processed. Bring identification and any documentation you have about your grandmother, including her full name, date of passing, and the will itself.

If the estate was never properly settled through probate, you might need to petition the court to open or reopen the case. This process often requires help from an estate attorney who can guide you through filing the necessary paperwork and following state-specific procedures. While timing can affect inheritance claims, many states have provisions for cases where heirs were minors when the death occurred. Consider reaching out to your state's bar association for referrals to qualified attorneys who handle estate matters.

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