My Father passed away, his wife (not very fond of me) did not contact me.. when I was contacted by another relative and started the trip I started asking questions and never received any answers (like; when is the service's, etc.). When she discovered I was coming she quickly gathered her sons (my Father had adopted 30 years ago) and had a 'Reading of the Will' prior to my arrival. Then it slipped out that after the services... so, after a very challenging 2 days I left for the long drive home from Colorado (where my Father lived) to Texas where I live.
Now I understand my Fathers things have been divided up and distributed and 'everything' else is hers. Hence, I have nothing to hold on to of my Fathers. Does anyone know if this is even legal?

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Originally Posted by Ideation

My Father passed away, his wife (not very fond of me) did not contact me..when I was contacted by another relative and started the trip I started asking questions and never recieved any answers (like; when is the service's, etc.). When she discovered I was coming she quickly gathered her sons (my Father had adopted 30 years ago) and had a 'Reading of the Will' prior to my arrival. Then it slipped out that after the services.... so, after a very challenging 2 days I left for the long drive home from Colorado (where my Father lived) to Texas where I live.
Now I understand my Fathers things have been divided up and distributed and 'everything' else is hers. Hence, I have nothing to hold on to of my Fathers. Does anyone know if this is even legal?

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You would have to contact the Probate Court and get a copy of the Will. I don't know how recent any of this is but Probate Court should notify you as a direct descendent. The reading of the Will means nothing, is just something to inform the family. It's the filing of the Will that counts.

"Her sons" are also your father's sons as he adopted them.

Yes, it's legal to completely leave you out and leave anything to his wife if your father's Will was properly prepared under the Law of Colorado (apparently). You are not automatically entitled to inherit.

You mention "her sons." Are these the people you are thinking about reporting to INS?

To execute the will, she will have to go though the probate court and go though the court for division of the property. And yes the reading means nothing, I did not know anyone actually did that except on TV.