Question:

My dad was a Veteran. He died about 13 years ago. I came across a Last Will & Testament in some of his old belongings. He appointed me the recipient of any benefits from both the VA. and Social Security. What do I need to do with this and is it beneficial on my behalf to pursue this? Thank you.

Jim's Reply:

I'm sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, VA & SSA benefits aren't transferable. I'll assume that you weren't and aren't a dependent of your father when he passed so other than some VA burial benefits, VA won't have anything for you. VA benefits must be claimed within a year as the usual circumstance so even reimbursement for those expenses has long passed.

Wills should be executed soon after the decedent has been appropriately remembered. I'm a little surprised that it took 13 years for you to find a will. For anything in what you found to be effective today you'll need to have this copy probated in a probate court and to do that you'll need to retain a probate lawyer.

Good luck.