4-18-2002
DEAR ANGIE:
Has your father died yet?
If so, what month and year did it happen?
Do you have any idea of what your father's estate would be worth?
What was his occupation, if he was employed?
Check at the county courthouse to see if a probate file has been opened yet on your father's estate (if your mother or her attorney has filed to be administrator of his estate, then a probate file has been opened).
With no will, his wife gets $60,000 plus 1/2 of the balance of the estate. You get the other 1/2 of the balance.
I'm not familiar with the laws of Ohio, but it looks like the only way you will get anything from this estate is if it is worth more than $60,000.
If you have a good relationship with your stepmother and are on speaking terms with her, then ask her what the estate is worth (but don't let her know that you are trying to find out if it is worth more than $60,000). Ask her to please ask her attorney (if she has one) to tell you what you are entitled to receive.
If she won't tell you, then you need to get your own attorney to file a claim with the administrator or with the court to get your share, if anything is due to you.
Good luck!
advisor (
[email protected])
