In ON, Canada. My father just died. He had a will in 2000…

I have a picture taken the night he was found of a letter written from my father's lawyer to my mother's lawyer dated after their separation stating that "my father and my mother have agreed that ultimately the house will go to me, the cottage will go to my brother".

The will I was given is dated prior to their separation, and says the estate goes to my mother.

According to my mother I should check with the city because papers there indicate the house is in both names.

I have several of my father's neighbours and even my now separated spouse, and my brother's first wife, who was still close with my father, saying that "everything had been changed so that the oldest son, that's me, is the executer and will get the house and split the estate with my brother". So, my mother was not to get the house, and did not even have a key.

I cannot locate another will, but I have verbal information where it's hidden in the house. But my mother has changed the locks and is no longer even returning my calls, let alone letting me in the house for my belongings.

Exactly what I've been told now by a couple people. I have his lawyer looking for the papers, but they are in archives, could be a few days.

Trouble is, in the meantime, my mother may be removing/destroying items of mine or items that mean something to me.

Question: a lady introduced as "my mother's friend" the night my father was found passed away, is also the financial advisor for my mother and my father. She "allowed me" pictures after having read the unsigned draft of the year 200 will. And based on that, she said I need to hand over the house keys because it now belongs to my mother". Did she not break some sort of Privacy Act ? She is not listed in the will. She also took the copy of the Separation Agreement that was there, because "it wasn't for me to see". Why did she get to see it and did she break any law by not allowing me access ?

Great, thx for your help thus far.

One more question for now: is my father's lawyer in conflict of interest if I hire him concerning the house/etc ? Or should I hire a different lawyer, specifically not my father's or my mother's. My father's lawyer seems to be speaking to me readily, but thought I should ask so I could shop around if needed.

Thx.

Hi again,

My father's lawyer told me today he may be in conflict if it comes to future litigation. He has yet to produce a copy of any related paperwork.

I have retained a local lawyer in the matter of my father's estate/house/etc.

Thx for your help in this matter. This could be it for awhile in this online forum, but "ya never know".

Thx again.