Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

Dont know if there is a will

My father lived alone at that WMCA in Binghamton NY before he died and didn't want to have contact with my siblings and me. He died with very little. When he was near death the social worker at the VA hospital in Syracuse NY contacted me and said that I was his only next of kin. I live in NYC. I had no idea that he was so sick. My husband and I along with my children immediately went to see him before he passed away. The VA paid for his funeral and his hospitalization.I have an older brother who lived in South Dakota but is missing and his family hasn't seen or heard from him in years, he could be in jail. My younger sister is a ward of New York State living in group homes or in mental hospitals. She is a mental patient and I lost contact with her over 17 years ago. I also have a half brother that I haven't seen in 20 years. The last I heard about him he was in jail for almost killing some woman. My father has some land in Florida and he has about $7000 in various savings accounts. I don�t know if there was a will. And I don�t know where my sister or brothers are or even if they are alive. I have a copy of his death certificate. I don�t have money for a lawyer but I need advice.


Asked on 10/12/00, 9:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Norman Nadel Norman Nadel, Esq.

Re: Dont know if there is a will

Most lawyers who are retained to administer an estate expect to be paid from the estate.

If there is $7,000 in a bank account, you will have little trouble finding a lawyer to help you.

An Adminstrastion proceeding should be started and you might be able to do it in the county in which you live. Otherwise, you will have to do it in Binghampton.

The real estate in Florida requires action in Florida and will involve additional fees.

If you think that the value of the estate is sufficient to pay the legal fees and then leave someting over for you, then you should proceed.

As one of the children, you are eligible to become the Administrator.

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Answered on 11/06/00, 9:16 am


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