Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Ohio

No will. Who is responsible for handling final affiars?

My ex-mother-in-law died several months ago without a will. There are probably more bills than assets. No real estate. She was estranged from ex-wife and named my oldest son as a beneficiary of a couple of small insurance policies. Neither of them is stepping forward to take care of her final affairs. Her automobile has been sitting in my driveway. I am concerned, but not sure what to do.


Asked on 4/02/05, 6:04 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: No will. Who is responsible for handling final affiars?

If she named your son as beneficiary of the insurance policies, you can contact the insurance company yourself (or he can if he is an adult) and file the claim. Anyone can open the probate estate, including you. If your Ex-wife's father is surviving and was married to your ex-mother-in-law, he can opt the car out of probate. You may want to deliver the automobile to your ex-mother-in-law's house or your ex-wife and let her deal with it.

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Answered on 4/05/05, 5:41 pm


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