I'm listed in my aunts will as coexecutor. I'm completing a DYI small estate affidavit and need to include nieces and nephews that have been estranged from the decedent's family for over 50+ years. I am having difficulty in locating them. Any suggestions?
We live in New York State
My husband (55) and I (62) would like to make a will, don't have time for a lawyer (leaving town).
Can we download a will from online (i.e.Rural Law Ctr NY provides template)
- print out
- have 2 unrelated people witness
- notarize
Thank you,
answered on Apr 11, 2024
A will must be prepared and executed in an exact way. The witnesses have to know what they are witnessing. When I do a will signing it is a formal ceremony and I ask certain questions of the testator and witnesses. If you do it properly then it should be ok. If you make any mistakes the entire... View More 
My brother recently passed away, now it's just me and my mom. Is there any way for me to be added to the life estate?
answered on Apr 8, 2024
You may share in whatever interest your mother has if she conveys it (all or a share) to you, but she cannot convey more than she has; so her life tenancy would not extend beyond her lifetime. Upon her death your brother’s heirs or those named in his will if he had one (whether that includes you... View More
My stepbrother is to get 50 percent of the money, Here’s the issue:
My stepdad owed taxes on property that was sold in 2017. My attorney told me that since the house was bequeathed to me, that I am responsible for the taxes, unless the other executor agrees to help pay.
He said... View More
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answered on Apr 5, 2024
When someone leaves a Will, the Executor must follow the instructions contained within. Normally debts are paid from the estate before distributions are made. I am confused about your statement that the house was sold in 2017 and property taxes are still due.
I am my brother’s only living heir.
answered on Apr 2, 2024
The best way is to run a social security search. However, if you were appointed as the fiduciary of his Estate you could contact the IRS and obtain a transcript to see what has been reported in the past, contact the local banks and other financial institutions and review all his records, bank... View More
upon my death use all the various funds to pay my heirs without her paying gift taxes. Thank you for your time and attention.
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answered on Mar 30, 2024
You are better off not naming any beneficiaries for any of your accounts and allow the executor of your will, after court appointment, to collect them and distribute them according to the provisions of your will. The problem with your proposed strategy is the person you meant to be your executor... View More
She asked him to take his name off the deed which she did in 1994. She passed in 2019. He was always responsible for the mortgage payments. This is in NY
answered on Mar 22, 2024
A surviving spouse is entitled to inherit. The information provided by the NYS Unified Court System at this link should be helpful to you: https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/whensomeonedies/intestacy.shtml
I was in jail at the time plus I am my mother's 1st son and favorite yet I didn't sign anything or agree to nothing they just took everything
I need help
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answered on Mar 13, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. Dealing with a manipulated will and the loss of an inheritance is incredibly painful, especially while also grieving the loss of your mother. Here are some steps you could consider taking to try to rectify the situation and get back what is rightfully... View More
Spouse died. Her will excludes the husband. Does he still have right of election to 1/3 of the estate? Is notary of post nup signatures a hard and fast requirement?
answered on Mar 6, 2024
Like a pre-nup, a post-nup must be acknowledged (which is a notary, but a certain format), and comply with other requirements. Thus, if this one is not notarized, it fails.
can an court appointed admin of an estate pick and choose what to honor in a will/or unofficial will
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answered on Mar 4, 2024
An Executor appointed by the Court is a fiduciary of the estate. They are required to follow the directives set forth in the Will which has been validated by the Court. There is no such thing as an unofficial Will. A Will may be contested by non-family members. However, they must demonstrate... View More
In to take over granted 6 months. Can a family member get power of attorney to get condo back in Surrogate court for the child so nephews don't get evicted.
answered on Mar 4, 2024
Without a will, all the children living when their mother passed away became the heirs of the real property. Any one of the adult children had the power to become the legal administrator of their mother's estate and transfer the deed from the decedent's estate to each sibling, as well as... View More
answered on Feb 24, 2024
No. The notary is actually notarizing the witnesses, so it would be notarizing yourself.
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answered on Feb 15, 2024
In New York estate planning and probate, a citation in the context of a will is a legal notice issued by the court. This notice is sent to distributees (potential heirs and other interested parties) to inform them of the probate proceedings and to give them an opportunity to appear in court if they... View More
Is a healthcare proxy sufficient or do I need more?
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answered on Feb 4, 2024
A Health Care Proxy would allow you to make health care decisions if your parents were unable to do so themselves. However, managing their care, paying expenses, and completing paperwork would require a Power of Attorney to be signed by your parents naming you as their agent. In both cases, your... View More
My father passed away in March of 2023 with $200k in the bank, his name only, no will. My mother passed away 5 months later with no money but several debts. I am currently administering my father's estate, but one of my mother's creditors insists that I am legally required to administer... View More
answered on Jan 16, 2024
If a decedent predeceased his spouse without a will, the spouse was a beneficiary of the decedent's estate and the spouse's share of any inheritance must pass through to that spouse.
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answered on Jan 13, 2024
I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you are coping with that psychologically.
As for picking up your late mother's vehicle from the dealership, here are a few key things to consider:
- The repair bill is likely still due and must be paid. The dealership provided a service and... View More
My Dad passed away in 2021. When my Dad got sick, my stepmom completely cut communication as my Dad was completely reliant on her. I reached out to attempt to keep the communication going but she blocked me on phones, Facebook, and email as far as I can tell. I found out on Facebook my Dad died.... View More
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answered on Jan 13, 2024
If the photos were not specifically left to you by your father in a Will or Trust, the surviving spouse will have primary rights to household effects like family photos.
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answered on Jan 10, 2024
Deciding whether to pass a house to an adult child through a will or by gifting before death involves considering various factors, and each option comes with its own ramifications.
If you choose to pass the house through a will, it means that ownership will transfer to your adult child upon... View More
Hallo, my father recently passed away, and had a brokeage account in the US. His girlfriend was listed as a contributor, but she has not deposited a single $ in the account. Since there is no will, by danish law all assets pass to next of kin, i.e me and my siblings. How should we procede?
answered on Jan 7, 2024
Contact the brokerage company to see if there is a beneficiary designation on the account. If so, the beneficiary gets the money. If not, the estate gets the money. Your Danish papers may be good enough to collect.
My father in law passed without a will 9 years ago in NY. His wife wouldn’t speak to anyone and my husband received nothing despite having property, cash and other assets. Is he entitled to anything and is there anything he can do?
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answered on Dec 27, 2023
If your father-in-law died intestate (without a Will) with property that was not jointly held or with no named beneficiaries, it would pass under New York State law. Since there was a spouse and at least one child, those assets would be split between them. Real estate would be a matter of public... View More
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