I lost my mama 2 months ago and now I have lost my companion of almost 20 years. I found him at the lake house property he rented two weeks ago, he had passed. He was a healthy man, but had been experiencing loss of breath and was scheduled for the cardiologist to check him out on Monday, I found him on Friday. I don't believe there was a will. My hands are tied because we did not live together. There's a house between us in the neighborhood. We spent every weekend together for 20 years. I helped him with his mom, his dogs, and his house. He helped me with everything and he certainly got me through covid-19 this past year. I did see a lawyer yesterday and until we find out whether the funeral home will let me take care of him, nothing can be done. I'm not a good waiter, never have been. Any advice and much prayer is greatly appreciated.
You may be in for a VERY long wait on this. I think legally there has to be a search for ANY relatives. (and if there is any money involved or the possibility of any money relatives come out of the woodwork)
You did the only thing that you could by seeing an attorney.
I hope it turns out in your favor. Unfortunately, it may take awhile to settle all of this.
It’s so sad that he died so suddenly.
Again, I am very sorry.
So sorry for your losses.
You should check in your state for what the probate process is:
https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-is-probate-court
When you say you had "a house between us in the neighborhood" do you mean your name was on the deed with his? Or you just contributed to the mortgage payments and upkeep? Now is the time to gather banking documents and proofs of what you contributed to with him jointly. The lawyer hopefully advised you on all of this. If not, find another lawyer.