Father and step-mother died within days of each other

[EKU0327]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and am hoping you can provide some direction. To make a long story short, my father and step-mother were both in grave health and died within days of each other - with my father dying first.

Dad's will basically left everything to my stepmother and distribution was to follow her will. This includes my father's life insurance (which apparently have no secondary beneficiaries provided). My stepmother's will directs their estate property to be devided between my father's four surviving children equally. The cash (which will include my father's life insurance which was intended to take care of my stepmother), is to be divided 10% to my father's children and 90% set up in a trust for my stepmother's adult daughter and adult grandson.

I'm my Dad's executor and I really do not beleive his intent was to leave his life insurance to my stepsister and her son. My stepmother received an inheritance from her mother a few years ago - the trust for the daughter and grandson. My father had a pension plan from the state, and this was the money used for living costs.

With this scenario, should I consider contesting the life insurance? It is not a large sum of money, we are talking maybe $60k.

Please provide your thoughts. Many thanks

 

[lwpat]

As the personal representative of an estate you are required to follow the will regardless of your personal feelings. Life insurance passes outside of the will so it goes directly to your stepmother's estate. I see no basis for a contest.

 

[EKU0327]

Thank you for your advise. That was my understanding as well, however, other family members were feeling otherwise. I appreciate your time and consideration.