If the only copy of the will is in the girlfriend's hands, that is rather delicate. It either says she is the sole beneficiary, and she'd be quick enough to show it, or it does not, in which case she may "accidently" lose it.
On the other hand, if your father's property was in his name, than as his immediate family you have the right to go there and look. However, verify this with a local attorney first so as to avoid...great difficulties.
Know also, in the absence of a will, the children, not the girlfriend, are the presumed beneficiaries, so there is little for the girlfriend to gain in destroying the will. Her only hope for getting the estate is for the will to say that she does. However, so you know, she could attempt a claim based on "common law marriage", which in some states is valid.
She also could be doing what you probably suspect she is doing - draining and removing all assets before anyone can stop her. On the other hand, she was your father's virtual wife for three decades, so perhaps she is simply mourning - and perhaps, too, there is some moral right on her side to desire not to lose all she has shared with him within days of his departure. You'll know more about that than I.
An attorney for you and your siblings is of paramount importance right now. Besides the residence itself, there are issues pertaining to the bank account, personal property, mementos and keepsakes, and of course - life insurance. Utlimately, she will be required to show whatever she admits to having. Wills are not a matter of people's word, they must be reviewed.
My mom
hopefully the beneficiary had a trust or a will
Only if the father has passed away. As a possible beneficiary, the children are entitled to see the will, but until then there is no legal requirement for anyone to provide a copy.
Not unless you're the mother...in this case.
if someone died and left an insurance policy and named me beneficiary how can i find out
Genetic conditions carried on the Y chromosome, such as hemophilia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, can only be passed from father to son. This is because the Y chromosome is inherited exclusively from the father.
My uncle was beneficiary on his mother's policy and has since passed away leaving no named beneficiary, so do the proceeds get distributed pursuant to the will? Yes Otherwise, check the rules for your state on "intestate" sucession. This situation is why it's a good idea to name a secondary beneficiary. If the primary passes away, the next in line gets the payout.
My father went into one assisted living facility in 2001 and we moved him to the other facility in 2005. I know that the last facility knew of the policy because I have a typed meomo stating that they knew about Dad's live insurance policies in the summer of 2008. Dad passed away in December 2008. I am the beneficiary on the policy.
It depends on the goodwill of the girlfriend. Hopefully, his Dad has not passed and can put the information into writing. Also, there are options when you sign up for life insurance to indicate percentages to beneficiaries.
A secondary beneficiary is a person who would receive the benefits of a life insurance policy or retirement plan in the event that the insured person dies and the primary beneficiary has also passed away. Then, the secondary beneficiary would receive the benefits.
No.
Check with The Center for Life Insurance Disputes.