In NY. my father died without a will. I live in Europe. My stepmother informed that it is no will, real estate and accounts were joint with ...

Question

In NY. my father died without a will. I live in Europe. My stepmother informed that it is no will, real estate and accounts were joint with stepmother. So i don't owe any inheritance. How i could check the situation? Accounts and and etc. of my father. because i knew only about his apartment (it is of my stepmother name) I don't have money for lawyer in NY.What is the term for appealing for inheritance? I heard it is 6 month after person's death? it is difficult to get information from Europe about my rights. I'm the child from his first marriage.Thanks in advance for any advice.

Answer

You would only be entitled to a portion of any property not owned jointly with your stepmother.

There is no statutory obligation to leave anything to a child. In addition, jointly owned nproperty passes by operation of law, so that there is no obligation on your stepmother's part to begin a court proceeding.