My father passed away last month and I was wondering what do I do about his pension?

I don't know where it comes from. Do I need to notify them that he has passed?

does social security inform them?

Do I still have to file a tax returm for him?

Additionally, is his ex-wife entitled to it now that he has passed?

My father wasn't much on planning so I have to straighten all this out now.

Thanks

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Enough about me, how are you doing?

I know you had a complicated relationship, but I am sorry for your loss.

You need to call the Plan Administrator of his pension and they will handle that. His ex-wife wouldn't be entitled to survivorship rights of his pension because the termination of the marriage, but IF he had an outstadning alimony or property settlement obligation to her she may have a claim against his estate.

Could be many issues involved--did he have a will, pass intestate, have debts, life insurance, a trust, ect....you need to call the Court that handles probate issues in Fl. and find out whether or not you need to open an estate. If you need to open an estate, sorry, but you may want to hire a lawyer (of course, if there are adequate funds, the estate would pay for this).

PM me if you have any specific questions.

Thanks! To say our relationship was complicated was an understatement. At least he passed in his sleep w/o any complications.

As for his ex-wife, he got divorced in the dominican republic and never told her.

She is still on his bank account where his pension checks go, so she still has access if she wanted to.

I'll have to look into the pension issue a bit. In the meantime, they keep depositing it.

Thanks

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Enough about me, how are you doing?

Who is the exectutor of his estate?

Are you the only inheritor?

Are there any outstanding debts?

If you get a lawyer (good idea), get one that has experience in this field - believe me, it is worth it. My aunt had passed away, and we thought the 2 kids might end up with $10k between them; instead they ended up with over $20k each.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

Plantman.. having lost my father a year ago and being the executor of his will, I can tell you dealing with all this is a PITA, however the pension question (the fund will want any money the deposited after his death returned).

In addition if there is money in the estate Im sure the state may want a piece. The feds dont charge inheritance tax on anything under 500K.

I would get a lawyer who can walk you thru all the things you need to do, the one i worked with charged a percentage of the estate value like 1% but thats here in pa

Good luck and sorry for your loss

Chris

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2007 GL 450 alabaster white, macadamia leather, Premium I, plus lots 0 goodies
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1996 Mitsu eclipse spyder Conv

Lawyer-up.

B

PS My condolences for your loss, Plantman.

I remember some of your posts regarding your father over time. My condolences on your loss.

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-livin' in the terminally flippant zone

I would say to do a little homework and maybe do this yourself, but:
This says to me, don't walk, run to a lawyer. Expect you will find out a few new things about your dad that will make you smile from time to time in the future. Suggest you keep it to yourself and never let your wife know what you are smiling about.

Plantman, my condolences to you and your family and heed the wise words of John Doe. While we are on the subject, how many of you out there have a will, living will and or advance directives in place? Do your family a favor and "GIT ER DONE."

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"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

Dominican Republic......we do these sometimes because there is no residency requirement and the divorce can happen quickly. They are completely legitimate, IF the procedure could be recognized as appropriate by the particular state court one returns to(same with marriage, btw). Without notice to the spouse? To recap what the last few folks have sai--you better run to a lawyer, or your inheritance may have just been reduced by 1/2 (assuming you have no siblings).