What is the name of your state? Kansas.
My sister passed away unexpectedly in February this year. She did not have a will that we can find. She was married with 2 adult children (28 and 30). She named me as beneficiary of 60% of her life insurance (which I was surprised to learn) and 20% each to her two children. She did not name her husband as beneficiary on her life insurance or her 401K. She may have also done a "quick deed" (? not sure if correct term) taking her husband off of their house, which he signed. (He had some legal problems a few years ago and she was protecting her home.) He has not gone to a lawyer to determine what he needs to do. I feel because I was left 60% of her life insurance that I should take care of her business (pay her funeral expenses, taxes, etc.) He filed married filing single for 2006, but did not file my sisters taxes for 2006. I also realize we have to file her final taxes for 2007 - 9 months from the date of her death. My brother-in-law has taken off -- I think it's too much for him to bear.
What should I do? I'm wary of going to a lawyer because I'm afraid they'll take advantage of the situation. I guess I'm asking two questions: 1) what should my first step be? 2) what questions should I ask a lawyer to make sure he/she is the one for my situation?
Advise is greatly appreciated.What is the name of your state?
My sister passed away unexpectedly in February this year. She did not have a will that we can find. She was married with 2 adult children (28 and 30). She named me as beneficiary of 60% of her life insurance (which I was surprised to learn) and 20% each to her two children. She did not name her husband as beneficiary on her life insurance or her 401K. She may have also done a "quick deed" (? not sure if correct term) taking her husband off of their house, which he signed. (He had some legal problems a few years ago and she was protecting her home.) He has not gone to a lawyer to determine what he needs to do. I feel because I was left 60% of her life insurance that I should take care of her business (pay her funeral expenses, taxes, etc.) He filed married filing single for 2006, but did not file my sisters taxes for 2006. I also realize we have to file her final taxes for 2007 - 9 months from the date of her death. My brother-in-law has taken off -- I think it's too much for him to bear.
What should I do? I'm wary of going to a lawyer because I'm afraid they'll take advantage of the situation. I guess I'm asking two questions: 1) what should my first step be? 2) what questions should I ask a lawyer to make sure he/she is the one for my situation?
Advise is greatly appreciated.What is the name of your state?