J
jch41878
Guest
What is the name of your state? NM
My wife found out recently her father passed away late last year. She never knew him. A probate has been filed by his cousin (who lives in another state). Apparently the cousin knew my wife and her brother existed yet did not tell them when he died. He had no will. He was not remarried, and had no other kids or siblings, and his house was in his mother's name and she died more than 3 years ago. The house doesnt look like it's worth much, less than $100k. When there is no will, do the son and daughter have priority as heirs? A quick search seems to indicate there wont be any taxes to pay. (Right?) I know there could be debt from collectors though somehow I doubt it.
Also, we drove past the property and the house has a for sale sign, my wife called the realtor and he said the house is already sold (pending) but he sounded like he was very disorganized. He offered to take her name and number in case the sale didnt go through.
Question is, lawyers are expensive and want upfront cash, the lawyer group that contacted her to tell her her father passed away wants 1/3(!) of the inheritance as their fee. How hard is this to do oneself, or is the lawyer worth it? How many hours of $300+ per hour does this stuff take?
My wife found out recently her father passed away late last year. She never knew him. A probate has been filed by his cousin (who lives in another state). Apparently the cousin knew my wife and her brother existed yet did not tell them when he died. He had no will. He was not remarried, and had no other kids or siblings, and his house was in his mother's name and she died more than 3 years ago. The house doesnt look like it's worth much, less than $100k. When there is no will, do the son and daughter have priority as heirs? A quick search seems to indicate there wont be any taxes to pay. (Right?) I know there could be debt from collectors though somehow I doubt it.
Also, we drove past the property and the house has a for sale sign, my wife called the realtor and he said the house is already sold (pending) but he sounded like he was very disorganized. He offered to take her name and number in case the sale didnt go through.
Question is, lawyers are expensive and want upfront cash, the lawyer group that contacted her to tell her her father passed away wants 1/3(!) of the inheritance as their fee. How hard is this to do oneself, or is the lawyer worth it? How many hours of $300+ per hour does this stuff take?