2-19-2002
DEAR DRUMMER:
You really do need to go to the county courthouse to look at the probate file to examine the estate's financial information to see how this estate was handled.
It could be possible that a large amount of debts or taxes reduced the estate so low that nothing was available to be distributed to heirs. However, it seems that if that were the case, the executor would have a moral responsibility to at least notify you by letter that you would not be receiving anything, especially since they knew you were expecting to inherit.
Something seems a little bit suspicious. Let's hope that the executor did not run off with the monies that should have been distributed to heirs. Ask the probate court clerk if it is a requirement in your state or county that an executor post a bond. If the answer is yes, you or the executor may be able to file a claim with the bond insurance company to recover any monies that were stolen. If no bond was posted, you might have to file a lawsuit against the executor to claim any monies that you did not lawfully receive.
SINCERELY,
advisor