Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida

You really need an attorney to assist you. Someone would need to see the check. If made payable to her Estate, you likely need to form a probate. How were you appointed custodian for the children? You may need a guardianship for that purpose as well. Sorry to have to suggest additional bureaucratic steps, but it will protect you in the long run. sorry for your loss

I agree with Mr. Stein. If the estate is small and does not consist of any real property (house, land, etc.), then it may qualify for a Disposition of Personal Property without Administration--a less formal and less expensive process in lieu of probate administration.