Wills and Estates

My husband died April 2009, without a will. He had 16,000 dollars in an Charles Swab investment account. My name was not on the account. We were married for 29 years and I was beneficary to his retirement accounts and life insurance accounts. How can I receive the money valued at 16,000 from Charles Schwab. THey say I need a death certificate, affidavit of Domicile, letter of distribution from me, and a small estate form. My husband did not make out a will. What can I do?

August 20, 2009To Whom It May Cocern:My friend, x died in October, 2003. My parents informed me about a month after his death that I was named in x will to received $187,000.00. My parents stated to me that x wanted me to have the money to _'pay in full_ for a condo or house which at that time, I was in the process of purchasing. My parents also told me that x said he would trust them to do with the money what they decided was right for me. They decided that they wanted me to have the money for _part of a down payment_ on a house or condo . My parents stated that the remainder of the money would be set up in a trust fund for myself at Merrill Lynch and that this account would be in their names as owners. As I was gong through a divorce during that period, their lawyer suggested setting up the account in their name for my protection in case of repercussions in the divorce settlement.The amount deposited into the account at Merill Lynch in 2004 was $150,538.00.They did not inform me if all the money was going to be invested and I never received any statements regarding that investment.My Parents also had my mortgage loan set up through Merill Lynch for the condo that I purchased.I closed on my condo on July 1, 2004 and $36,000 of the original $187,000 went to a down payment for the condo. I was also told by my parents that x willed $42,000.00 to my brother for his schooling.My brother did receive the entire portion that was willed to him.I recently spoke to the financial coordinator, x from Merrill Lynch and she stated to me that this money was _not in a true trust fund_ and that I am only listed on the account as a beneficiary and the money will be transferred to me in the event of my parents death.Could you please advise me as to what direction I should take to become the owner of this account that was willed to me as an inheritance from x.Your immediate attention would be appreciated.

as executor of will which states various accounts outside of Will (beneficiaries)that will be used to pay debt (large final medical debt). Does this mean that these funds should be moved into the Estate Acct instead of being paid directly to beneficiaries? decedent lived in chandler, Texas

a person originally named me a beneficary in his will, I was to inherit his home. He was concerned about death taxes, probate, ect and then made a trust with his daughter the trustee. I am now getting the run around and it is being implied that I may not get the house. is this legal? do I have any recourse?

I purchased an estate package including the will for new parents with minor children (TX-P006-PKG). The will includes a statement which requires initials if I want it to apply that states as follows: "Any and all debts of my estate shall first be paid from my residuary estate. Any debts on any real property left herein shall be assumed by the person to receive such real property and not paid by my Personal Representative." I understand that the will has a clause for my homestead and primary residence and another clause for my residuary estate. If I and my wife are deceased, the residence is processed under the residuary clause and the residuary estate is bequeathed to my children. I am not clear on what this language means and whether I should initial it. Please advise.