My friend's widow needs assistance in dealing with his final matters. Advice?

Ask your local Area Agency on Aging. You can google it. They are sure to have good advice, and they sometimes have free legal advice. Good Luck to both of you.

It is too bad that the estate wasn"t put into a trust. That way you avoid probate. Have an attorney handle this.

If you are a married man, stay out of it. If not and you are female help her in anyway you can by helping her investigate online or connecting with a lawyer. I know from watching many newly widowed friends that it is very difficult to make decission while in the process of grieving a spouse.

If she needs help, it means that other people on her life (kids?) have not stepped up (yet?). There is nothing wrong with your helping her. She should file for her survivors benefit as well as any social services to which she is now entitled. If your friend was a veteran, you can help her navigate any of the aid that status entitles her to.

Have her file for his social security if she has not already. Any church might be able to assist, friends, and other family members. I am sorry for your loss.

Cece, it would help others answer if you could be more specific what the issues are. Does this friend need help with the concept of probate, with administration of the will or trust, with dealing with heirs, with disposition of property?

I think it's a great suggestion that you help since you've already taken the first step. It's also another great suggestion that legal aid be sought, especially if you can locate a law school with an estate planning clinic. I don't know if probate administration is an are in which pro bono work is available, but it's worth a try.

If probate has been entered, is it being done by an attorney & is the attorney being the agent OR is she doing this "pro se" (on her own)?

Can you find out if there is legal aid or a law school clinic that could help her? Also check with your local area agency on aging, they may know of resources available to her.

Maybe you can help her?? Donating your time and ability could be helpful. There is so much that can be done even without a lawyer or money if someone is willing to do the legwork or investigate on the computer. You can make a trip down to the nearest probate court and ask questions, or search probate information for wyoming and for many anwers to questions. And though we are not professionals, there are often good hints and good information on this site for specific questions.