Finding a Will

[sxemama]

Hi, my father had cancer and passed away in 2002, and I was wondering what I need to do to find out if he had a will, or who the beneficiary was. I know he had life insurance, a 401K, and stock. He told me before passing that he would make sure that it would be divided, and I that I would have money for college when I turned 18, (I was 16 at the time). I'm 20 now, and still have not heard or recieved anything.

I have 3 older half sisters. They (including his ex wife) came into his home where I was taking care of him and moved him into their house two weeks before his death. They have not spoken to me since the funeral. I tried contacting them a while back, and one of them finally got back to me. Needless to say, she was very rude and said I didn't deserve anything, and then she went on to say that there wasn't any money. I mean, they all got trust funds for college, and my dad bought them all vehicles when he was alive, but I haven't recieved a thing. I don't understand why they have so much hatred for me, I was only 16 when my father died, and they were all in their 30's. But that's beside the point.

What I want to know is, if he named his ex wife or one of my sisters beneficiary, would I still be entitled to a portion being his daugter and all? And if he had no will, wasn't it susposed to be divided equally? Any help would be greatly appeciated.



Thanks

[Mr. Knowitall]

Life insurance passes outside of a will or estate to a designated beneficiary. A 401K plan may also pass that way. Stock held as an individual will normally go through an estate, but if it is held in a trust it will normally pass outside of the estate according to the terms of the trust.

If there was a will and it was probated, there should be a record of the will and probate action in the county where your father lived prior to his death.