Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida

Just submitted lengthy question about my dead mother's trust, but neglected to give my info. Ooops! I have been cut out of my family since my father's death in July 2016. He lived in Fort Myers. I am one of 6 siblings. 4 of us live on the West Coast. A copy of his will/trust was sent to me and all his heirs 30 days after his death. My #3 sister (living in Florida), was sole trustee/POA. She claims there is nothing left after the sale of his condo, etc., but that will be determined after taxes this year. Different sister (living in Alabama) & (with mental issues) was designated trustee for my mother's estate. Mother also in lived Florida, but l in a different city than my father. I was a POA. I helped my mother draft her will (2008) and revisited her attorney with her in February 2016. It was my understanding that POA(s) were instrumental in health choices. My mother died as a result of surgery that was expressly avoided in early 2016 (While I was there compiling her extensive medical history). I was informed of her surgery the morning she checked in to the hospital in December with #3 sister. My mom died 2 days later, was cremated & had a service, all within a week & all while I was not included. I was crushed. None of my family is speaking to me. Do I have a right to information? How do I go about that? On top of my grief, there are accusations of elder abuse, and various other improprieties with both of my parents estates. I realize this is not an uncommon situation. Families have issues. I am okay with not speaking, but how do I determine if I am still in?


Asked on 1/26/17, 10:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

DMD PA DMD Law, PA

To give you a good answer, I would have to see the wills and trusts involved. However, a POA can be a general POA or designated for specific reasons. Again, without seeing the official POA designation, it is hard to determine what your rights were and are. If you were a beneficiary, you may have a right to see documents on how the estate was handled and settled. However, probate and trusts distributions and settlements can be a lengthy affair. It could take years. I suggest you seek probate attorney.

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Answered on 1/26/17, 11:04 am


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