am i entitled to assets from deceased father
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am i entitled to assets from deceased father
Good evening . My father suddenly
passed away in November 2016
although i have not seen him in many
years I attended his funeral and
became friendly with his family . They
seem to be well off and advice that my
father had money I was wondering if I
was entitled to anything as His son as
far as I know he did not have a will .
Unwishing to cause grief to his widow
and his family I was just curious as to
the protocol and whether I was entitled
to anything . Many thanks Chris Bridge
Asked on May 28, 2017 under Estate Planning, Alaska
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
First of all, if your father did have a Will then that controls just how his estate is to be distributed. If he was aware of your birth and you are now an adult but he did not name you as a beneficiary, then you have been disinherited. Although, in some states specific language of disinhertiance must been used. If, however, he did not have a Will, then as his child you are a legal heir. This means that you and your father's other children, as well as his surviving spouse, would have rights of inheritance. At this point, you may want to consult directly with a local probate attorney who can best advise you further.
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
First of all, if your father did have a Will then that controls just how his estate is to be distributed. If he was aware of your birth and you are now an adult but he did not name you as a beneficiary, then you have been disinherited. Although, in some states specific language of disinhertiance must been used. If, however, he did not have a Will, then as his child you are a legal heir. This means that you and your father's other children, as well as his surviving spouse, would have rights of inheritance. At this point, you may want to consult directly with a local probate attorney who can best advise you further.
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