How can I find out if my father had properties after his death?

Full question:

My father that I have not seen since I was four passed away. I am told he had properties but I do not know for sure. How do I find out if he had any properties without getting an attorney. I do not want to pay for an attorney if there is nothing to inherit.

Answer:

You can start by contacting the local probate court in the county where your father lived at the time of his death. If he had a will, the executor would have filed a petition in probate court. They are responsible for notifying all heirs about the will and any property distribution. If your father died without a will, an administrator would have been appointed to manage his estate, and the property would be distributed according to state intestate succession laws. As a potential heir, you should have been notified if there was no will.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In most states, you typically have about 4 to 6 months to file for probate after someone dies without a will. The exact time frame can vary by state, so it's important to check the specific laws where your father lived. If you miss this deadline, it could complicate the distribution of his estate. It's advisable to act promptly to ensure that any potential claims or inheritances are addressed properly. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*