beneficiary problem

[brcanson]

New York State. A close friend of many years named me as TOD beneficiary on a mutual fund account. She died a month later. In the meantime a
relative(grand-neice) somehow(wrongfully, I believe) had me removed as
beneficiary and she became the beneficiary. She was already the beneficiary
on another, much larger account and did this out of greed and malice. The
financial institution will tell me nothing of how this was effected and the
relative will not tell me anything, will not even answer her phone when I call
and will not respond to any message I leave. I have tried many times. I wrote
her a letter. No response. I cannot afford an attorney. The amount of money in the fund is mid five figures. I don't know if I'm up to acting as my
own attorney. What can I do? Thank you.