What happens when petitioner dies?

[mahesh_nj_65]

My father filed for us and my sister sponsored us to US. Our visa date could be due in next 12 months. We finished all the paperwork and paid all the fees for whole family - paid like $1500. Now we are just waiting for our visa call. My father just died and we are clueless what should we do? He died outside of USA. What are our choices? My mother is also US Citizen. Can we transfer the file and keep the same date? or what can happen at the interview time? Should we inform or not inform consulate? Or as we already paid, this file should move forward?

Please let me know, if someone is gone thru such situation - will be big help for us.