Wills and Estates

My Husband recently dies and we are opening an estate. We have two children. He appointed his Brother as Personal Representative. My question concerns how we live during the probate or administration since all money is in his name alone. I have heard of a family allowance. What is that?

I have filed a divorce case in the family court of Virginia. My husband made a will in the year 2010. Per my husband’s will all the property in the event of his death will be transferred in my name. My husband is undergoing treatment for heart valve disease and is not expected to live for more than a year or two. Will the provisions concerning me in my husband’s will be valid after our divorce?

My dad in anger destroyed his will by tearing it and throwing it in the fireplace in our home. I did manage to save the will from being burnt completely. When this incident happened he was angry and drunk. When we contacted our family lawyer, he said that as the will was destroyed with anintent of revocation, the will has no affect. Is it possible for us to revive the will or is my dad required to make a new will?

My dad had made a will with respect to his property in Virginia in which he had given me major portion of his estate. He wants me to stay in Virginia and complete my higher education in Virginia. But I want to go to New York for my degree. We had an argument over this and he said that he would not give me a penny from his pocket if I go to N.Y. He also tore his will in anger. Is the will still valid or is it revoked?

My brother is mentally challenged and lives with me. Our parents died 5 years back, since then I have been taking care of my brother. There are a couple of properties in my brother’s name and I manage them for my brother. Can he transfer those properties to me by making a will in this regard?