My son passed away 2005 now an insurance company has a check and as parents /next of kin , want us to set up an estate so they can reissue check to us... we are on low imcome and don't have a lot of money... and have no idea where to start... ty

You will want to consult a professional in your area for how its best to proceed. Are they wanting to write this check to him ? Im only asking because the amount of it may make a difference as to what type of taxes apply. In this case it would be estate taxes. Why can't they send it directly to you ?