Hopefully all of your parents are prepared, but I would just say that check and make sure they have a will AND life insurance-at least to pay for a funeral. Ask them to have a folder with all that information.
I shifted through receipts for a good 2 hours looking for bills, policies, etc. for Ryan's dad. It was hell.
On another note, Ryan's dad was living in his fathers house, he was just paying bills. His girlfriend of 6 months was also living there. She was very nice, it was the first time I met her. I told both Ryan and his sister that we should grab all of FIL's stuff-not because I didn't trust the girlfriend, I just don't trust people in general after someone passes. People do weird s***.
The family(grampa's power of attorney) agreed to let her stay there, rent free, and take care of the house since DH's grandfather is in a home (the house will go to FIL's sister when he passes)
Fine and dandy.
Except, now the GF expects everything to be paid...like her propane, and internet (we shut all of FIL's accounts down, so it's not like there is money available-we have to into probate to get permission-this is why having a will is important!) SIL was like "I'm not paying for you to live in a house. I have my own bills to take care of. Ryan and I had to personally pay for the funeral (why life insurance is important). We are NOT paying for you to live."
GF called the propane company and tried to put more propane on FIL's account (uh, NOT happening). SIL then also asked to stop by the house (HER grandfather's house mind you) to look for a checkbook that has been missing from the trucking company FIL worked for and for the keys to the truck he owned. GF told SIL that she would drop them off. Ummm...also no. If SIL wants to get into the house, she's coming to the house. THEN GF texts Kristin and says "Well the girls basketball team is coming over for supper so it will be a bad time"
WTF lady?
I asked SIL what her tie to the team was and she was like "I have NO idea, all of her kids are out of high school". Then SIL was like "Oh my god, what if she's using them to help her move out FIL's crap"
FIL didn't have much (just a lot of debt) but he did have a lot of stuff that is definitely pawnable (go back to the part where I was like "we need to get the stuff you want out".)
It's all getting very crazy, very quickly. Much like I predicted. And of course we are back home now and have to try to deal with this 650 miles away. Awesome.
Re: Rant/Advisory for everyone-long
Ugh sounds like a fun mess to have to deal with!
Having worked for a lawyer and having worked on wills and PofA I know how much of an hassle it can be but it saves so many headaches from the legal end of things if you've got one!
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That sounds nuts. I think you guys should give the GF a deadline to be out of the house, that is soon! Does your SIL live nearby at least so she can keep an eye on her and the house?
I'm so sorry you are having to deal with all the BS while grieving Ryan's Dad.
You took the words right out of my mouth. Good luck!
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