Weir, TX Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

First, I need to clarify some terminology. An executor is the person designated to handle the financial affairs of a person who died with a will. A personal representative does the same thing for a person who died without a will. Because you used the word executor, I'm going to assume that your mother died with a will. If one sibling has been named the executor of your mother's will, and the other siblings do not believe that sibling is qualified for an ethical or legal reason, the siblings may file what is known as a will contest to disqualify that named executor and have someone else named as the executor. There are specific reasons to disqualify someone from being an executor, and it's a good idea to seek counsel from a local attorney for more information about how to proceed.

He passed away in California, California law will control. In Texas you would have a problem. Why did you think you were his legal executor if there was no will or probate proceeding appointing you? While people do start collecting the assets of the deceased right away (frequently to pay final expenses), until appointed, you do not have the right to do so. Taking the assets may be theft. You may need to get all of your receipts together to demonstrate where the money went. You will have a problem since you found cash in the hoard. You will not be able to prove the amount you found. Your step siblings may always hold out that it was more than it really was.

A power of attorney is void upon death. Now that she is deceased, if she had assets in her name only without any non-probate beneficiary designation, you need to see an attorney.