Good questions....each state has their own way of handling probate from my understanding. I know that some way back family their estate whet to probate & my mom was who was to receive the small amount of money but because my mom had died (my dad died long before her) & I am an only child, so it came to me & I just had to get a notarized signature to claim it. Don't know if this helps answer your 1st question?

For 2nd question. Go to your state bar association. Google/Internet search it & usually will find a phone number you can call & ask about the situation you are experiencing.

Hope this helps a little