Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania
My father passed away,2/21/06, my Stepmother, had Dad put everything in her name, my question
there was no will, and the only thing thats still in his name, is the house, its in both their nsmes
also, she will not allow or even given me a chance to look over his belongings and I have ask and ask'
what can I do????
1 Answer from Attorneys
I don't know what state your father resided in at the time of his death. Assming that it was Pennsylvania and assuming that your father had no will, then the surviving spouse would split the property with any children. However, if everything large was put in the step-mother's name, then she will take the bulk of the assets. If the house was owned as a tenancy by the entireties (as husband and wife) then the house passed to her automatically upon your father's death. I do not know what personal property your father may have had and so much time has lapsed that the stepmother has probably disposed of it by now. However, you might consult with a probate attorney and see if the attorney will send her a letter asking for any personal belongings as you are entitled to a portion of those.