Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey
Stepmother did not inform blood relatives of a loved one
My father died 1/3/08 and after informing the police on 1/31/08 that I had not heard from my father in a couple of weeks, I was informed that he died on the above date. My stepmother did not tell me, my brother, his mother or anyone in his family. There was no obit. We are obtaining info. little by little. What are my rights as his daughter in concerns to the will, moving his body closer to home or anything else in this matter?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Stepmother did not inform blood relatives of a loved one
If there is a Will, you are entitled to notice of probate and a copy of the Will. If there is no Will, you are an intestate heir and may be entitled to a share of the estate. I would need more facts before I could give you a more detailed answer.
Re: Stepmother did not inform blood relatives of a loved one
If he died without a will, you have certain inheritance rights. If there is a will, you could contest it. As far as burial and other questions about your father, his wife has control over that unless there is something in writing by him with specific instructions. Try to call the Surrogate Court in the County where your father lived to see if a will was probated. You can get a copy of it from them. Either way you should probabley talk to a lawyer.