Is there a will? If so, you will most likely need the assistance of an attorney, although in a few states it is possible for the layperson to fill out a form and avoid having to hire an attorney if the will is very simple and straightforward.
If there is no will, you will still most likely need to hire an attorney to petition the court in order to transfer the title of your mother's assets (bank accounts, real estate, etc.) from her name to yours.
Most attorneys charge by the hour for either of the above scenarios. Be sure to shop around!
I would go to see an elder lawyer if you have an office for the ageing in your county see if they have a lawyer who gives his time for those who need it or ask around for a good one-he might ask for a retainer of so many hours but if you do not use the whole time you will get money back. Who did her will? that lawyer should be able to advise you.
This quetion is for Gabriel/Heiser I have a question how do you go about to locate someone. who does want to be found. I am refering about a brother who is owed a small amount of money that wass listed in a will of my mom. She was of sound mind when the will wass done, and I my self was not in the same room at the time. She also appointed and request me to be a legal Rep if something happen if she got sick, Durable power of attorney, caregiver for over ten years, and legal heath epoxy. She just passed away, there are other issues with my brother that no one would understand the things he has done. But the Tampa Fl police tried to locate him, also I contacted the Florida Governers office for a search. There was a amount put in a special account for him not much. My had alzheimers/Dementia plus many other heath problems. I just came back from New york after the buriel. I had a notice placed in the church paper in Florida and also New York.I do not have money to do a search. all moms money went for her care in and out of hospitals and nursing homes. But when I brought her to Floirda after doing a search and moving her to my own home , I found out I could not take care of her myself. Ww did looked at over ten different places for day care if needed. I did not want a nursing home. Mom was placed in a assisting living private home (family style of which I was there almost 24/7. She died in my arms after I received a call from Fire rescue on Oct 5, 2009 and was there in minutes. She stayed with me for about three hours. I do have a attorney and I am going to see them after I have a special meeting with the veterans and Social Sercuity next week. We have no money. We had to use some of our own money from credit cards. Now someone is trying to get info on her social security. fraud also has been done. All has been reported to the correct agencies. Thank you for a quild lines you may have. there may be others out there with the same problem. No one was there to help me with mom when she was up north, no one visit the hospital may be once. And when they found out what condtion she was in never went back or even sent any mail to her. Thank you in advance for any quidance you may give me. Sorry to send this message on the dept of aging net work.patrica61
If there is no will, you will still most likely need to hire an attorney to petition the court in order to transfer the title of your mother's assets (bank accounts, real estate, etc.) from her name to yours.
Most attorneys charge by the hour for either of the above scenarios. Be sure to shop around!
Good luck!