If the estate is small and your an only child, you may not need a lawyer. Probate gave me the info on how to file certain paperwork and I did it. I did use a lawyer but that was because my brother was left the house and did not want it so it had to be transferred back to the estate and a lawyer was needed. Since he was also handling the closing of the house, he did the final accting.
Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss. May The Lord give you comfort, peace and guidance for this new season in life.
My dad lived in a different state, had a very small estate, like a truck, personal belonging and a couple of thousands dollars in his bank account. I went to the DMV, of all places, for an affidavit that stated his entire net worth was less then what the state requires for probate and it was done, no probate, no attorney. Oh, I had to fill one out for 2 different states, he lived in Utah and had his truck licensed in AZ.
Look this information up for your moms state, it is easy to find and it really is a do it yourself, if her estate value falls below the states requirements. ALL states have a different value, so please ensure you use her state.
Try calling her local probate office. The clerk should be able to send proper documents or tell you where to find them online. I assume you cannot close out accounts and need a certain document. I filed for one in MA and paid a small fee due to an amount of $2000
It all depends on what you mean its a small estate. In my State anything over 20k is probated. You need to go to Probate in the County she lives. You need to get a short certificate so you can handle Moms debts and turning off utilities, ect. You will be the Administrator. Difference between an Administrator and Executor to a Will is the State steps in to determine who inherits.
Search probate for your Mom's state where she last lived. Rules vary by state. In FL and also in MN estates need to go to probate if total assets are above $75K. If someone owns a home, this most likely pushes them over that line. You can opt to consult an attorney for her state but I'd do a little online research first.
I would see Probate first.
My dad lived in a different state, had a very small estate, like a truck, personal belonging and a couple of thousands dollars in his bank account. I went to the DMV, of all places, for an affidavit that stated his entire net worth was less then what the state requires for probate and it was done, no probate, no attorney. Oh, I had to fill one out for 2 different states, he lived in Utah and had his truck licensed in AZ.
Look this information up for your moms state, it is easy to find and it really is a do it yourself, if her estate value falls below the states requirements. ALL states have a different value, so please ensure you use her state.
Best of luck getting this handled quickly.
Put your area in, select the area of expertise and go from there.