I've just printed off many of the wonderful comments from this thread, for folks to read this evening at Dick's memorial service/ potluck/sing-around.

Thought I'd report on the status of Dick's belongings. There are some amazing legal hurdles to be passed. Dick's sister, Lynne, has sent consent papers for me to become Personal Representative for Dick's estate. But there is a Catch-22. In order to become Personal Representative, I need to submit proof of Dick's assets including bank statements, the title to his car, paycheck stub for his last paycheck, and so forth. BUT. In order to get any of that, I need papers saying I'm legally entitled to see them.

So on the advice of the very helpful lady at the Register of Wills, I have submitted a petition to become Special Administrator for Dick's estate. This is different from Personal Representative.... The judge will rule on it some time this week.

To be continued....