What happens when you know are an heir of an estate but aren't included in the will? This can happen if the deceased promised you property but never included you in the will, or if you are a child of the deceased born after the will was made. However, you've now been left out of the probate process, and ultimately, you will be left out of the property distribution if you don't act. File a Letter of Demand, or a Demand for Notice with the probate court. The Demand for Notice lets everyone, including the personal representative, other heirs and the court know you feel you have a right to inherit from the estate. After you file the Demand, the probate court includes you on the mailing list for all proceedings related to the decedent's estate.
Contents of the Letter
States such as Maine, Michigan, New Mexico and Arizona have statutes that list the exact information required by that state for inclusion in a valid Demand for Notice. Generally, enough information must be present for the court to identify you, identify your relationship with the deceased and identify the estate property to which you feel you are entitled. Many courts have forms that are pre-assembled for purchase if you wish to proceed without an attorney. More courts are also posting these forms online for free download. Otherwise, use an online legal document provider to create the Demand for Notice. Just make sure all the information required by the state where the probate is filed is included in the Demand.
How to File the Letter
Generally, the court must already have the probate open and the proceeding started before you can file the Demand Notice. In Michigan, however, you can file the Demand with the probate court after the decedent dies but before the will is submitted to the court, but you will have to pay the fees associated with opening probate. It is best to wait until the will has been filed with the court and probate has begun before filing the Demand. Use the case number assigned by the probate clerk on the Demand to tell the clerk in which proceeding to file the Demand. Don't rely on the court to provide copies of your Demand to the personal representative. Ask the probate clerk for a file-stamped copy of the Demand after you file it, and send it yourself to the estate's personal representative. This ensures that he or she receives prompt notice of your interest in the estate.
What to Expect from the Court
After you file the Demand with the probate court, the court issues an order requiring that your name be included on the mailing list for all notices associated with the probate proceeding. That means you will receive notice of all hearings and meetings with the personal representative concerning the estate, just as with any other heir of record.
How to Participate in the Probate
Once you start receiving notice of scheduled hearings and meetings concerning the estate, attendance is up to you. However, attending all proceedings gives you a better understanding of how the probate is progressing, and lets the other heirs know that you are serious about your inheritance rights. It also gives you a chance to defend yourself right, than if any of the other heirs raise concerns about your right to inherit.
Read More: What Is a Notice of Probate?
References
Writer Bio
An attorney for more than 18 years, Jennifer Williams has served the Florida Judiciary as supervising attorney for research and drafting, and as appointed special master. Williams has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Jacksonville University, law degree from NSU's Shepard-Broad Law Center and certificates in environmental law and Native American rights from Tulsa University Law.