I’m so grateful my answering service takes calls 24/7.
Late one night, I felt a nudge to check my messages. A classmate from junior high had posted earlier about the tragic loss of her sister. I had shared my condolences and a sweet memory. That night, there was a message from her—she didn’t know what to do.
It was after 10, but I called her back.
She was in tears. Her sister had been a single parent, out for the evening while her ex had the kids. He didn’t even know about the accident. I offered to make that call. The next morning, we started the hard part. I went with her to the funeral home and helped coordinate everything—including reaching out to their brother for the necessary consent.
Her sister didn’t have a Will or Trust, which is all too common. Fortunately, her divorce had been finalized, and her assets would go to her children. We filed the probate for her home and bank accounts and established guardianship with the court—using the visitation schedule already in place. Child support and Social Security benefits were set up to support the kids, and their inheritance was secured in protected “Blocked” accounts.
There were many tears. It was hard—but I was there every step of the way.
Not all attorneys go to the funeral home. Not all show up in person to help ensure children are protected. But for me, that’s part of the job. The probate was straightforward. The grief and logistics were not. But knowing exactly what to do made it all a little easier for the family.
I hope you never receive a call like this. But if you do—if someone you love passes unexpectedly—I’ll be here to help guide you through.
