No, I did not contract with the attorney. He had his partner try to represent me in the civil suit but I quickly hired a different attorney.
As for her rights, the policies required that the spouse (if there is one) give up her rights to make a claim on the policy. I think I said that right. Basically, the bene info was filled in but a signature from the spouse was needed and it wasn’t given. The insurance policy was also included in probate.
There were a few vehicles that she chose not to elect on. If my memory serves me correctly she had the option to elect on the will or pursue the policies.

