What kind of lawyer do I need to use when a "Will" was not followed by the Executor? What is the statue of limitations?

Asked in Spokane, WA - 12 months

When my father passed away he left a will and my brother is the executor. My brother gave me a copy of the will and it says the estate is to be split 50/50. My brother and I are the only next of kin. He did not file it into probate/will says he does not have to. He did not split the estate. He kept everything of my fathers. Even the proceeds of selling my father's home which had no mortgage. I have no documents to back up what my father owned just pictures and my brother has everything incl. all documents/personal items/stock info/checking acct info/ he sold what he didnt want. So how would I go about persuing this matter and is it possible? I have no contact with my brother. It has been 2 yrs but I have not money to hire an atty. Is it possible to do it on my own?

Attorney Answers (3)

Peter Jay Visser

Peter Jay Visser

Lynden Probate Attorney

Licensed in WA

Answered 12 months ago. There are several possibilities, based on your question. I can't tell without further checking what your rights might be. You should contact an attorney immediately. This is not the kind of thing you should try to do on your own.

First, your brother would not normally be able to sell the house without probate if it was still in your dad's name. This suggests that your father may have transferred it to your brother prior to dying.

Your attorney should be able to get the information about stocks, bonds and bank accounts after suit is filed. He will also be able to get information before filing suit about the way the home was sold.

Your time left to do anythig is very short. Please get started by contacting an attorney right away.
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Teresa Lynn Border

Teresa Lynn Border

Spokane Criminal Defense Attorney

Licensed in WA

Answered 12 months ago. You should not be attempting to litigate this on your own. Please seek the advice of an attorney in your area. Many attorneys, including myself, offer free consultations.
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Steven J. Fromm

Steven J. Fromm

Fort Washington Probate Attorney

Answered 12 months ago. Sounds like your brother stole from the estate and from you. You cannot possibly do this on your own, so you must retain an estates litigation attorney. You need to do this right away since the longer you wait the less chance you have to recover what is rightfully yours.


Hope this helps.

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Mr. Fromm is licensed to practice law throughout the state of PA with offices in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties. He is authorized to handle IRS matters throughout the United States. His phone number is 215-735-2336 or his email address is sjfpc@comcast.net , his website for more tax, estate and business articles is www.sjfpc.com. and
LEGAL DISCLAIMER Mr. Fromm is licensed to practice law throughout the state of PA with offices in Philadelphia... more
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