Lawtons, NY Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

A person can act on their own behalf and prepare their own will, but it is not advisable because, if not prepare correctly, then there intentions will not be carried out, because the will was defective. I recently probated a case that had just that problem; form will obtained from stationary store not prepared correctly. I am a believer, you get what you pay for in life; pay nothing get nothing. But it is your right to represent yourself.

First and foremost, this may be a big undertaking. You can go to court to be appointed as the administrator of the Estate then investigate what occurred. This is not an inexpensive process as you will be forensically tracking down the transactions, since your brother destroyed the records. You should speak to an attorney who can advise you of what is required and the costs associated with certain options that you could pursue, which would include filing with the court, getting appointed, obtaining copies of all bank statements and checks, reviewing the escrow documents, etc.

The answer may depend on how the house was titled and if you have to go through probate/administration. The hospital may also have its own definition of estate. It may make sense to get a lawyer involved in order to negotiate with the hospital and I therefore advise that you speak to counsel.