Rickochet get some recommendations for an attorney first and start from there
Because every state is different, there is not much to say except to do this. He will basically read it and tell you if there is anything further to do with it, as far as any probate, etc.. I'm thinking it is a simple will, leaving everything to you &/or your son. They are fairly much cut/dried, not much to be done if someone is displeased.
My wife had no will....that I've ever found. I thought she said at one time her and her sister had made them, but her sister has said no, did not happen. I asked around as to what to do, with IL laws and such. Even the courthouse said I did not need to file anything unless I wanted to and it would cost me, while nothing would change. Her kids never came after their 'shares', but they would have been hit with their 'share' of all the expenses which I got stuck with.
Went to bank and they said leave things as is, her name is still there also.....joint tenants. It was the easiest way, in their opinion. Life insurance was a snap to take care of. Notified CC companies, if any, and did have to send in death certificates to a few places. Removed her name from vehicle insurance/titles. Really was never any problems with anything. Except....
She left me a room full of Elvis! 😄
I had started going through everything this week when your post came up, with what was happening in your life. Been thinking of you every time I go through things in that room, knowing what you may go through in the future. I just let it go for 2.5 years. Clothes still hanging where she left them. Nothing has changed, except she's gone.
It does take time to heal; I'm still working on that. We were also together for 39 years. Getting 'past' it takes a while, a very long while.
Getting 'over' it......well... that may be never.
Breathe. Eat. Esp. eat!!
And cry when you want to. As much as you want to. I still do.