My father passed away in January and I was named the Trustee through his Will. I used the attorney that he used when drafting and filing the Will but I don't feel comfortable with the information he's giving me. His office has made many mistakes that I had to bring to their attention, in addition to the uneasiness I feel.
My father entrusted me to protect his wife of 19 years who's a wonderful but non-aggressive person. He handled all of their finances. They had a fairly large sum of money in joint checking/savings accounts and the attorney has informed me that 50% of the account balances must go into the estate. My step-mother is very upset so I want to make sure that this is true. She worked the 19 years they were married, while my father was retired, receiving a very small monthly sum from the family business he maintained some ownership.
Is there some kind of guide that I can refer to regarding the administration of a Will and the assets? I have a very uneasy feeling and would like to become aware of the probate process.
Thank you . . .
Distraught daughter
My father entrusted me to protect his wife of 19 years who's a wonderful but non-aggressive person. He handled all of their finances. They had a fairly large sum of money in joint checking/savings accounts and the attorney has informed me that 50% of the account balances must go into the estate. My step-mother is very upset so I want to make sure that this is true. She worked the 19 years they were married, while my father was retired, receiving a very small monthly sum from the family business he maintained some ownership.
Is there some kind of guide that I can refer to regarding the administration of a Will and the assets? I have a very uneasy feeling and would like to become aware of the probate process.
Thank you . . .
Distraught daughter
