allfiredup
Member
I and the family members mentioned in this posting are all in the state of Georgia.
My step-grandfather died two months ago. He had a will written more than five years ago leaving all assets to my grandmother. They were married for 22 years.
My step-grandfather has a son whom he disowned more 25 years ago and severed all communications. The son made attempts over the early years of their marriage to reconcile, but my grandfather refused. The son had serious issues with drugs and alcohol. He wrecked two vehicles while intoxicated that my grandfather had bought him and they were uninsured. My grandpa also bought him a house and the son lost it for not paying property taxes.
After my grandpa died, I struggled with whether i should attempt to locate his son to at least inform him that his father had passed away. I felt that he had a right to know that his father had died. My mother and grandmother both seemed opposed to the idea and refused to give me any information about him. I didn't even know his name or last known address.
A few weeks ago, I began working on my family tree. As luck (or fate) would have it, I was reading thru postings on a genealogical website and found a posting from a man with the same last name dating back to 2000. The posting included the names of grandparents, uncles and stated which of the sons was his father- it was my step-grandfather!
I emailed the man figuring the email address from seven years ago would be invalid. Long story short, it was his son and he and I have been exchanging emails for about a week. He seems very grateful for the information I've given him and very thankful to at least have some closure.
Now for my concern- My grandfather had around $400k in assets when he severed all ties with his son. Over the years, especially after a prolonged battle with cancer, the amount remaining is no more than $50k. He willed that to my grandmother, as I mentioned earlier.
The will clearly states that everything goes to my grandma. Should i be concerned that his son might try to contest the will? If he did contest it, what are the chances he would be awarded anything?
My mother is the executor and has not had the will probated as yet. I'm assuming she should initiate that process immediately?
I sincerely hope this man doesn't create any trouble for my family. He seems like a nice enough guy and I feel good being able to fill in some of the blanks of his family history. He also seems relieved that his father's last 22 years were with a good family who cared for him until the very end. I just don't want my 87-year old grandmother to have any more stress, especially when she's still grieving the loss of her husband.
Any help is sincerely appreciated!
My step-grandfather died two months ago. He had a will written more than five years ago leaving all assets to my grandmother. They were married for 22 years.
My step-grandfather has a son whom he disowned more 25 years ago and severed all communications. The son made attempts over the early years of their marriage to reconcile, but my grandfather refused. The son had serious issues with drugs and alcohol. He wrecked two vehicles while intoxicated that my grandfather had bought him and they were uninsured. My grandpa also bought him a house and the son lost it for not paying property taxes.
After my grandpa died, I struggled with whether i should attempt to locate his son to at least inform him that his father had passed away. I felt that he had a right to know that his father had died. My mother and grandmother both seemed opposed to the idea and refused to give me any information about him. I didn't even know his name or last known address.
A few weeks ago, I began working on my family tree. As luck (or fate) would have it, I was reading thru postings on a genealogical website and found a posting from a man with the same last name dating back to 2000. The posting included the names of grandparents, uncles and stated which of the sons was his father- it was my step-grandfather!
I emailed the man figuring the email address from seven years ago would be invalid. Long story short, it was his son and he and I have been exchanging emails for about a week. He seems very grateful for the information I've given him and very thankful to at least have some closure.
Now for my concern- My grandfather had around $400k in assets when he severed all ties with his son. Over the years, especially after a prolonged battle with cancer, the amount remaining is no more than $50k. He willed that to my grandmother, as I mentioned earlier.
The will clearly states that everything goes to my grandma. Should i be concerned that his son might try to contest the will? If he did contest it, what are the chances he would be awarded anything?
My mother is the executor and has not had the will probated as yet. I'm assuming she should initiate that process immediately?
I sincerely hope this man doesn't create any trouble for my family. He seems like a nice enough guy and I feel good being able to fill in some of the blanks of his family history. He also seems relieved that his father's last 22 years were with a good family who cared for him until the very end. I just don't want my 87-year old grandmother to have any more stress, especially when she's still grieving the loss of her husband.
Any help is sincerely appreciated!