Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York
Personal assets
If my father passed away and I would like to find out his net worth at the time of death, how could I find out this information.
A phony will was drafted while he was on his death bed in a hospital in Florida, at the time he was on a respirator and medicated for pain.
It is my belief that my father was not of sound mind and body when this will was drawn up and the signature on the will is not that of my fathers, it is believed to be the signature of his wife whom lives in St. Vincents, where my father had several businesses along with real estate property here in the states.
The will is already in contetment and I just need to find out what his net worth was at the time of his death so that his estate can be properly distributed amoung his surviving children.
Thanks in advance.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Personal assets
I am not sure what "contetment" means - does this mean probate or being contested. There is usually a limited time period for contesting a Will in probate and you should act quickly if you believe there were questions of legitimacy of the Will and/or your father's competency in making a Will.
As to the question of net worth, there are only 2 ways you become entitled to this information - (1) you are a beneficiary named in the Will or the named estate representative, or (2) in Florida the estate must submit financial information to the Court where the Will is being adminsitered in case Florida estate taxes may be assessed. Most of these records are in the Court are public and you or your local attorney may be able to obtain the information.
I have several attorney friends in Florida if you might need legal assistance.
Most important is to register your caveat (contest) of the Will if you believe some suspicious happened.
Walter LeVine
973-377-3313
Re: Personal assets
I am not sure what you mean by the will is in contentment. I assume you mean the will is being contested.
The estate cannot be distributed until the will is invalidated and an executor or administrator is appointed.
I suggest you retain an attorney.
Daniel Clement
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