Milford, OH asked in Uncategorized for Ohio

Q: You Hi, I am working on my will. Not sure if I need to see an attorney to get this done.

Hi, I am working on my will. Not sure if I need to see an attorney to get this done. It's very basic and simple. One problem I may have is my dad passed away 14 years ago and left the family piano to my older sister. The thing is I have had it all this time because she claims she has no way to retrieve it and no room for it. I need to know whether I should contact her about getting this piano or if I need a lawyer to reach out to her to get the piano or relinquish ownership. I'm just not sure how to handle this because my dad left it to her in his will. Also my sister and I do not speak very often, not on very good terms

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1 Lawyer Answer
Drew Chalfant
Drew Chalfant
Answered
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: You will want to reach out to your sister and at the very least get a clear, written statement that she is giving you the piano before you put it in your will and try to pass it on to your children or anyone else. If you don't have clear ownership of the piano and you will it to someone else, you're just passing the dispute with your sister onto that person. If your sister does give it to you (gives, not sells) and it is worth more than $15,000 (a nice piano!) she may need to file a gift tax return for the amount in excess of $15,000. The fact that she is storing it in your home rent free is an issue for another day...

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