At EstateCo, we do more than just process estates. We uncover what’s been left behind and do the work to make things right. Sometimes, that means resolving legal issues or locating missing heirs. At other times, it means stepping outside the usual scope of estate administration work and finding a way forward for someone who’s been forgotten. That’s exactly what happened in the case of Dustin Jubert.

When Dustin’s father passed away, the case looked routine: an estate in default, taxes piling up, and one possible heir. However, that heir had vanished.

Dustin hadn’t been seen in years. His mother died when he was just 19, and he entered the Marines shortly after. Since then, no one had heard from him—not the military, not the neighbors, not even his aunt. After months of searching, interviews, field visits, and genealogical research, our team began preparing to declare him deceased.

Then, during one final inspection at the estate, everything changed.

A Discovery That Changed Everything

I’ve walked into a lot of abandoned homes over the last five years. I’m used to strange conditions—houses without power, overgrown lots, doors that stick. But this one felt different the moment I stepped inside.

The door was locked from the inside, which immediately raised a red flag. I had to force my way in. As soon as I entered, I got this overwhelming feeling that something wasn’t right. The place had no running water. The bathroom was gutted. And then I saw it: the ceiling fan was spinning. There was power.

I started yelling—”Hello? Hello?”—but there was no answer. I made my way through the house. In the hallway, I saw a blanket draped over a door. The door to the front bedroom was jammed, but I managed to push it open a few inches. That’s when I saw a head.

I ran out and called 911. I honestly thought I’d found a body.

The police arrived and entered the house. That’s when Dustin walked out from the back room.

He hadn’t been squatting. He had been surviving. No ID. No vehicle. No income. Just an isolated man who had quietly shut himself off from the world. 

From Survival to Stability

Malnourished, disconnected, and carrying visible trauma from both military service and personal loss, Dustin had given up on the idea that things could get better. What followed was a full-team EstateCo effort to show him otherwise.

Our team didn’t just process the legal documents—they mobilized to do whatever was necessary. One team member arranged DMV visits. Another coordinated transportation. Someone else secured the paperwork. We found him a small rental just a block from where he grew up. The apartment was stocked by hand with groceries, a microwave, and essential items—all delivered by our people. Piece by piece, and with an all-hands-on-deck approach, the team laid the foundation for a fresh start.

But there was still one critical component missing: a car.

Two Estates, One Act of Kindness

Around the same time, we were managing another nearby estate for Colby Hankins, a veteran who had passed away quietly in Hyde Park. Among his belongings was a clean 1996 Crown Victoria. We contacted Colby’s heir and asked if she’d consider donating the vehicle to another veteran in need.

She didn’t hesitate. “My husband was a veteran, too,” she said. “He would’ve loved that.”

We insured the car, registered it, and delivered it to Dustin. It wasn’t flashy—it was practical, reliable, and life-changing. Two unrelated estates came together to give one man a second chance.

More Than an Inheritance—A Fresh Start

Dustin now has his inherited funds, a roof over his head, and the ability to move forward. He’s thinking about working again in the HVAC industry, the trade he learned during his time in the military. He knows there’s a long road ahead, but for the first time in years, he has the support to walk it.

In Dustin’s own words:    

Dealing with my father’s estate was something that I understood and recognized, but I really didn’t want to deal with it. It seemed complicated and expensive, and I really didn’t know where to even begin.

I’ll admit that I am slow to trust. Trust is earned in my book, and through each interaction with EstateCo, I felt more and more comfortable.

In the end, I find myself with more than what I started with. More than just legal support of my inheritance—EstateCo worked hard to bring my inheritance to life. EstateCo unlocked what was sitting right in front of me.”

This outcome wasn’t the result of one person or one department. It was a team effort in the truest sense. Multiple team members from across EstateCo willingly showed up and contributed in ways that often went far beyond their company roles. From setting DMV appointments to delivering food, furniture, and appliances to negotiating lease terms, everyone leaned in and treated Dustin not just as a client but as a person worth investing in.

To the entire team—thank you. Your willingness to act, to care, and to go beyond what was required made all the difference.

Why We Do What We Do

At EstateCo, we often say that no heir should be left behind and no legacy should be forgotten. This case is a clear example of that mission in action. It was not just about solving a legal puzzle. It was about doing the right thing when it mattered.

Dustin’s story will stay with us as a reminder that behind every estate is a real person with a history, a struggle, and a future—and that our job is always to bridge the gap between what was and what’s possible.