Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Iowa

My question is....My ex husband died a few weeks ago owing me $20,000,00 from our divorice. I have all the paper work to prove this, legal and binding. He did not have a will. My ex was a musician and had a collection of guitars. Within hours of his passing, his siter in law started giving away all of his belongings including his guitar collection. My ex had promised one guitar to my nephew, and there are witnesses to that statement. I am not interested in sueing for the $20,000.00, I am only interested in getting that specific guitar to my nephew. And the guitar in question is the one that the sister in law decided to keep for herself So my question is, do I have any rights to his estate? Keep in mind that my ex had very little money, which I am not interested in at all. I just want to carry out his final wishes that included my nephew getting one of his guitars. Any help with this matter would be very much appreciated. Thank you so very much for your time with this matter. Robin Meyer


Asked on 9/26/11, 11:00 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

I don't see where you have any standing here. This man died, the goods are the property of his estate, there was no will, and the assets if any are the property of the estate. As far as your interest you need not file a lawsuit but you have only a limited time to assert your rights as a creditor .I suggest you find out who is the administrator or the probate attorney handling the estate and make your interests known. It would be far better for you to get some money and then you may do with it as you please.

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Answered on 9/27/11, 7:43 am


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