Q: Can Real Estate be transferred to the estate even if not specifically called for in the will?
My mom died and left her residual estate to 14 (4 children and 10 grandchildren). Some heirs are ex-pats. It will be easier to handle the sale of a rental property if it is first titled to the estate and then sold - and all heirs agree this can happen. While the will gives the executor (my brother) broad powers to settle the estate, he has been advised that the rental property can't be brought into the estate since it isn't specifically mentioned in the will, and there is no TOD on the title. Is this correct guidance?
A: The Residuary Estate Clause of the Will disposes of the rest and residue of any property not already bequeathed or devised in the Will. So, depending on the Title, it appears the rental property can also be sold for the benefit of Estate Beneficiaries. Hire a competent NC lawyer to examine the Will and help expedite the sale of real properties.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.