What to do about the estate of someone who died without a Will?
Question Details:
My mother died 9 months ago in HI; I live in CA. My brother is in the house. My mother left no Will or trust as per my brother. He says that my other 2 brothers and I are not entitled to the house, that mom left it for him. He did not notify us of my mother's death until 2 weeks later. What will happen to the house or what do we do since 3 of us live in CA. and he lives at the house in HI?
Your mother died intestate, Hawaii has laws regarding the distribution of property in such a case as this. Assuming your mother has no surviving spouse, all surviving children (or descendants by representation) are entitled to a share of the estate. Hawaii Code, §560:2-103.
Depending on other factors including the size of the estate, you will need an attorney to guide you through probate - a court process to determine who gets what.
