MrsDowFire
03-25-2009, 06:57 PM
My mother died in October 1998 and her husband (my step father) never handled anything regarding her estate. I was told that she left everything to her husband and her husband did not want to do anything with her personal possessions yet. I didn't know she even had an estate until 2/28/09 when my uncle (mom's brother) sent me an email stating that I was a beneficiary on an IRA and that I needed to send some paperwork to Janus as well as informing me that my step father had a stroke in November 2008 and he had my stepfathers durable power of attorney. My stepfather is in a rehabilitation facility at present. Today I received a Notice of Intent to Request Informal Appointment of Personal Representative for the Estate of my mother. I am concerned that my uncle never contacted me to handle her things rather just filed a petition that I received in the mail. I am a beneficiary to my step fathers will, along with my brother and my stepfathers 2 children. I am uneasy about him handling things and his motives. I have direct interest in both the estate of my mothers and of my stepfathers. Do I have any options at this point? How do I know if my stepfather was of sound mind when he signed the durable power of attorney? I see that I can pay a filing fee and possibly appoint myself to handle my mothers estate but what good will that do me if my uncle has already discovered accounts she may have because he has access to the mail that was never opened and files at their home and a durable power of attorney for my stepfather. I live in Ohio and my mom lived in Michigan. My uncle also lives in Michigan. I need help and advice.