They call me stubborn. I call it perseverance.
Estate claim scenarios
Finding property in a deceased person’s name is the beginning. The claim must also show who has authority to collect it or who is entitled to each share. I trace that connection and manage the claim through review.
An appointed representative can often claim for the estate, but the documents need to show that the appointment remains effective. Older letters, a successor appointment, or an unusual court order can add another step.
The path may depend on a will, a determination of heirship or other estate records. Several heirs may need to participate, with each share supported by the documents.
That person’s share may lead into a second estate. A claim that started with one deceased owner can turn into an estate within an estate nested doll situation. Each estate then requires complete documentation in order to get the claim approved.
The estate and trust may both matter to the ownership trail. I examine the will and trust records to work out who should present the claim and what the file must establish.
If the owner died without a will and no probate was filed, the value of the unclaimed funds and the circumstances of the estate help determine the next step. Depending on the situation, an affidavit of heirship, a small estate affidavit or a formal probate proceeding may be appropriate. I can help sort out the claim path and coordinate with an attorney when legal proceedings are needed. Legal fees are an additional expense separate from my commission.
Appointed executor
Grace died with property reported in her name. Eva was appointed executor of Grace’s estate. I connected Eva’s authority to the property with the estate records and current letters, then presented the claim on behalf of Grace’s estate.
Heirs without an acting representative
Henry died and no executor or administrator was acting for his estate. Rosa and Marco were identified as heirs in the estate records. I checked how those records established each heir’s share and determined which heirs needed to participate in the claim.
An heir who later died
Amelia’s estate records identified Caleb as an heir. Caleb then died before his share was claimed. I followed that share through Caleb’s estate and assembled the document trail for both estates before presenting the claim.
An appointed representative, direct heirs and an heir’s second estate each call for a different claim path. I trace the authority and inheritance documents, match them to the people entitled to claim and work through questions raised during review.
Work with Paula
I can trace the estate path, organize the probate records, prepare the claim and handle requests that come back from the Comptroller.