Wife left out of will, mysterious prenuptual.

[NeedHelpSoon]

My friends husband recently passed away, and she was left out of the will (Million dollar+ estate). Relatives produced a mysterious prenuptual that she doesn't remember signing, or if she did she had no legal representation. (she is foreign born and speaks poor English) She is poor and cannot afford an attorney. Could legal aid help her, or could she possibly find an attorney that could help her on a percentage with no up front fees? (She resides in NY state)

 

[advisor10]

1-8-2002

DEAR NEEDHELP:

Yes, legal aid could possibly help her but they usually don't take on probate cases. You need to start contacting lawyers and asking if they will take the case--it helps if you have a copy of the prenuptial and/or the will. As a wife, she is entitled to a certain portion of the estate anyway. A good attorney would be willing to help her and advise her of what she is entitled to. But you need to mention what nationality she is since an interpreter might be required to communicate with her. Also contact the local organizations for whatever her nationality is and they might also be able to put you in touch with good legal representation.