My father passed away in Rochester Ny. His "widow" is suing to be the administrator of his estate and we feel that she is manipulating the s...

Question

My father passed away in Rochester Ny. His "widow" is suing to be the administrator of his estate and we feel that she is manipulating the situation. We also believe they are not legally married. We live in Ohio and don't have enough money to hire a lawyer. My brother is going to court to object but is unsure how to. Any advice. Thanks!

Answer

Administration is only available where someone has died and had no Will. The procedure and outline of what is involved can be obtained by Internet searching the words "administration of estates and NY law". A surviving spouse is usually the first one entitled to be appointed but that appointment can be contested. An attorney is not required to contest, but it could help. If you can establish and prove the "widow" was not legally married, any child can then be appointed. Since I am not licensed to practice in NY, I can only suggest how you can go about this, and I cannot represent you..