Father died without a will. What now?

Post date: 2020-09-18 11:29:43

I have been estranged from my father for 18 years. I learned today that he has died. I also learned that he owned a home (not paid for), a vehicle, and has money in the bank. He was not married (my mother divorced him 25 years ago), and had no significant other. I am in NC, if that matters. I've been executor of an estate before, but there was a will. What do I do in this case?

His remains are at a crematorium, as he apparently wished to be cremated. Do I start with them to try to get a death certificate? How can I establish I'm next of kin if he didn't tell the hospital he had any children?

I'm usually super practical. And in a way, my father died a long time ago. But this has thrown me, and I wonder if any MeFite has experience with this scenario. Thank you.

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