Death in Family Belarus

[Used to be broken 147]

Well sadly my spouses mother died suddenly of a rather horrible accident in Belarus. SO is there now attending to matters. The funeral was

a couple days ago.

The mother was quite young and died without a will. Not sure if that is common in Belarus but what then? There is an ex-husband

it appears that was also still on the "registration" to the apartment. Two children surviving.

Do people even own the apartments in Belarus? What happens when someone dies?

What about other assets , ie money etc held in accounts? Is Probate anything like here in the US? How long do these things take?

What about the rituals surrounding the funeral of Orthodox etc?

I don't want to pepper SO with so many questions when rocked by this after burying the parent. Not sure anyone expected to have

to deal with this as it was so sudden. What is appropriate gesture? Sibling has converted to Catholicism would a Mass card sent

be ok?

Just curious

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Well sadly my spouses mother died suddenly of a rather horrible accident in Belarus. SO is there now attending to matters. The funeral was

a couple days ago.

The mother was quite young and died without a will. Not sure if that is common in Belarus but what then? There is an ex-husband

it appears that was also still on the "registration" to the apartment. Two children surviving.

Do people even own the apartments in Belarus? What happens when someone dies?

What about other assets , ie money etc held in accounts? Is Probate anything like here in the US? How long do these things take?

What about the rituals surrounding the funeral of Orthodox etc?

I don't want to pepper SO with so many questions when rocked by this after burying the parent. Not sure anyone expected to have

to deal with this as it was so sudden. What is appropriate gesture? Sibling has converted to Catholicism would a Mass card sent

be ok?

Just curious

My condolances. I have no information regarding property there though, sorry. If it is anythinglike Ukraine your wife will have people there that can help her with that.

[1HappyGuy 45]

Do you have any Orthodox churches near you? That would be the place to go on how to appropriately respond to family members. As to the property, that is likely going to be a real mess, especially if the ex-husband is unwilling to cooperate with the children. This is always a tender matter so tread lightly and show much compassion and diplomacy with dealings in the family structure.

[eekee 182]

Is he registered TO the apartment or is he on the deed papers still? If he is just registered to the apartment that doesn't mean anything. If he is on the deed then I guess it is his.

[Used to be broken 147]

Do you have any Orthodox churches near you? That would be the place to go on how to appropriately respond to family members. As to the property, that is likely going to be a real mess, especially if the ex-husband is unwilling to cooperate with the children. This is always a tender matter so tread lightly and show much compassion and diplomacy with dealings in the family structure.

I actually think the ex-husband who is also the children's father is being very supportive and cooperative. I thank you for your advice. I am trying

not to ask to many questions as I know this a difficult time and all concerned our quite sensitive and perhaps culturally not as accustomed

to discussing these things as openly or candidly as we do in America.

I will take the suggestion to go visit an orthodox church in the area to discuss what might be appropriate.

Thank you

[eekee 182]

IMO, RUBs tend to be more candid and open. See: the discussing-money taboo we have in the US that is non-existent here.

If he is supportive, it seems like you shouldn't have too many problems with the ex.