Can't i claim my late wife stock value or i have to hire a lawyer to do it?

My wife passed away in 2004.She had stocks worth now around $15,000.00.She does not designate me as the beneficiary but i am still her husband.I contact the stock broker and they require me to have either a court appoinment dated with 60 days OR a notarized small estate affidavit.
I have contacted a lawyer and they asked around $4000.00 to take care.I just wonder if i can do it myself or must have to hire a lawyer?Any help will be appreciated.Thanks.

You are headed to probate court and you will be required by the judge to have a lawyer, because the laws are complex and he doesn't want to waste time instructing you in law.

The court will establish your wife's estate, settle any claims against the estate, determine who the estate belongs to (does she have children?), and issues instructions for closing out the estate.

This takes time, and, because your wife did not designate you as beneficiary (a costly mistake!), the state may take a share of the estate for itself.

Get a good lawyer for this!

I might give you a better one with lower cost so email me

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