If your mother did not solely own assets, in her name, not the name of her trust, of at least $30,000 you do not need to open an estate. If the life insurance had a beneficiary that is not probate property. You can pay expenses of the estate, funeral, out of any assets just in her name, however, most funeral directors have a family member sign as responsible.
Answered on Jan 31st, 2013 at 10:53 AM