MAY 14, 2001
DEAR HKY:
You didn't mention what state your grandmother died in but I assume it's California.
I agree that you should have been notified or at least mailed a copy of the will, but since you weren't, you need to check at the county courthouse of the city where she died. You need to know her name and month/year of death and city where she died. The probate records section can check to see if the will has been filed yet (most states require that it be filed within 30 days of the person's death) and if it has been filed, you can request a photocopy of it. If you live too far away from the county courthouse, then you can order that information by mail or have a relative in the area go to the courthouse for you.
It is also possible that the will may not have been filed yet because the step-grandfather is still grieving or may have too many other business affairs to handle regarding this estate. If the will has not been filed yet, then you may need to wait another month or so for it to be filed.
You are correct in reasonably assuming that it is possible that you or your mother may have been named as a beneficiary. Under normal circumstances, the person who has been named executor of the estate will be sending you a letter notifying you about what you will be receiving. After they have finished probating the will at the courthouse and claiming all of her assets, they have to pay taxes, debts and funeral expenses, and if anything is left over to split among the heirs, you will be receiving a check in the mail. However, you can't automatically assume that you will be receiving anything until you have looked at the will and until the will has been probated at the courthouse.
I'm sorry that you have to put up with selfish, greedy relatives at a time like this.
SINCERELY,
[email protected]
