Get what are called voluntary letters from the Surrogate in the county where your brother died. It is meant to be done pro se, and costs $1. Go...

Yes. You are correct. Unless the beneficiary was the trust.

If she is not cooperating you need to bring a turnover proceeding in Surrogate's Court.

Sadly, you are going to have to leave. The court will not act faster than the end of November, so that is a realistic date. Do not miss the court...

Absolutely not. Your wife is wrong and your instincts are right. A turnover proceeding is a lawsuit within an estate proceeding, wherein you are...

When you say "administrator" that implies there is an open court matter in Surrogate's Court. If so, you need to hire a lawyer to appear in it. ...

You need to petition to be the successor guardian. If you do not, you risk the court appointing some lawyer, who will charge fees and commissions...

Yes. A fiance has no standing, nor will her family.

Your brother's half goes to his estate, which based on your post, would be his spouse.

You need to open an estate proceeding for your father. Based on your post, you might not need one for your mother. It depends on how assets are...