Fort Pierce Florida: Will + Probate Question
Last night my stepsister messaged me on Facebook tricking me into saying I do not care about our father's estate. He passed on April 3rd. I have not spoke to either of them in over 30 years - after last night it was clear I made the right choice.
He was my stepfather - adopted me when I was 3 and was married to my mom for 50 years, she passed a couple of years ago. I never had a relationship with her either.
Honestly, I did not care about the estate at all until my stepsister basically verbally abused me last night. My other stepsister (her real sister) - does not talk to her either.
My good stepsister and I do not know if we are in the will or not. The estate is not big so I am not going to fight anything, but if we are in there, we do want what was left to us.
My evil stepsister took care of dad for the last 3 or so years and lives near him - she did not talk to him for like 30 years before that. My other sister and I are in the Northeast.
I know I can get a probate lawyer - but hate spending money just to find out we are not in the will.
I called the county this morning - probate does not seem to have started yet.
I am not sure the best route to take here? I know nothing about his financial situation and do not even have his social to get a death certificate.
- Do I attempt to start probate myself?
- Is there any way to get a copy of the will - or find out if there even is one?
- What happens if there is no will?
Any advice or tips would be so appreciated!