Norwood, CO Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

You should consult a probate litigation lawyer to determine if you have lost your right to reopen the probate if one is filed, or sue your sister for your share of the proceeds designated to you in the will. Your late timing is against you, but inquire of counsel anyway. You may be able to obtain a part of the sum due you.

You do what the insurance company said. You have your in-laws fill out the forms and then you open a probate estate for your husband. Then the insurance company will pay the proceeds to the estate. I suggest you get an attorney to help you with the probate issues.

Yes, you can prevent unauthorized access but only putting notice in your will probably won't achieve your goal because a will often isn't available or submitted to probate for weeks or months after your death. You're better off notifying friends and family members, and especially the person you name as your executor, of your wishes. Better yet, put it in writing and give the document to someone who will be close by at the time of your death. That person can secure the property immediately and request law enforcement assistance should the named person attempt to remove items.