My dad had a will but he also set up a Life Estate on the house and we had a joint account so I could help him make sure his bills were all paid when needed. He has one older pickup truck worth less than $1000 that only had his name on the title, and also his “stuff” in the house. He lived with me the last 9 months of his life as he was unable to care for himself. Should I go through the whole probate process? I know I’d need it to deal with the truck but if that’s all I’d need it for, I’m not sure it’s worth the money and hassle. One hiccup though, I have one brother who is a drug addict and was explicitly excluded in dad’s will (dad listed that “yep, I have a son and he is to get nothing”). Should I do probate in case he comes out of the woodwork? Even if he does, is the truck the only thing not covered or could he try to come after the “stuff” that’s in a house that’s now mine?
Location: The house and truck are in KY. An attorney in KY created the will. I live in AL (where dad spent his last 9 months and passed away at).