Get free answers to your Estate Planning legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I have a copy of the will where he states who each property would go to. We also know he had life insurance and his business that was not distributed properly or at all for that matter. The homes he left to family in the will were in Forclosure due to the person not distributing everything the way... View More

answered on Mar 9, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss.
I apologize. I don't know if I understand you completely. If the estate is being held by Treasury, is it because there are back taxes which need to be paid?
To answer your other question. A copy of the Will won't be enough. The will must be... View More
I am a middle aged woman who is receiving SSI, and I would like to write a will. Upon my death, I plan on giving all of my household goods to a thrift store, and I would like to place money on the side to pay for any outstanding debts. Also, I am concerned about my personal information regarding my... View More

answered on Feb 26, 2021
It is always tricky drafting legal documents without the assistance of a professional. I recommend talking with an experienced estate planning attorney or at minimum a certified legal document preparer. He or she can help you get squared away. Have a wonderful day!
against his wishes. keeping his remains and estate. trust is not even two months old

answered on Jan 27, 2021
How do you know that was not his wishes? Is it not possible that he knew he did not have much longer to live and took action (e.g., creating and funding a trust) to ensure that his estate would be distributed according to his wishes.
It is theoretically possible to overturn an estate plan,... View More
I found out that the husbands son has been paying the mortgage and taxes on the property. Am I entitled to anything?

answered on Dec 16, 2020
The answer to your question depends on a number of factors including how the title to the home was written and whether your parents had wills or a trust and what those documents stated. We would be glad to assist if you can provide our office with more information. As a child of your parents you... View More
Loan company was paid 19k from insurance. Deceased person left remaining balance of 1k due to late payments. Company asked for death certificate to pursue the executive of state but insist that I am liable for the remaining balance.

answered on Dec 3, 2020
There are 2 areas of law here. If you co-signed for the loan, you are jointly and severally liable, which means they can come after you, as well as affect your credit score. Sorry for the bad news.
My mom was in the process of filing bankruptcy when she passed away 6 mo ago, but hadn't filed with court. I am successor trustee of her trust, but her attorney wouldn't release her file without a subpoena & retired within days of my contact with him. Without knowledge of who her... View More

answered on Nov 2, 2020
It's generally good that the 4-month window has closed; however, there is a requirement to send a notice to all known creditors, as well. Creditors could argue that they are entitled to a notice directly. It depends on what steps you took to locate any known creditors. Another factor is how... View More
The Trustor was my Uncle, and he died in 2017. He and his ex-wife are co-trustees for the land trust, I believe his name is still on it because she couldn't get a death certificate (they divorced in 1987). The ex-wife wants to resign as co-trustee and walk away, leaving me the trust and... View More

answered on Oct 26, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. This sounds like quite a difficult process.
I don't want to give you any advice, based upon what you wrote. Here is what I think you need to do:
1. Determine the value of the real estate, and whether or not the real estate is in the trust to... View More
In Maricopa County, AZ. Father was a widower with two equal heirs, myself and brother, he has (had) a will and trust document drawn up. I also obtained an estate EIN. His only account transferred as a POD account. No other assets, except this $1,800 check.
Could the check payable to... View More

answered on Oct 7, 2020
https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/media/4062/pbse1z.pdf
Sorry for your loss. I hope the information above helps you resolve the issue.
His final will and testament didn't include his new address. The will was made over 30 years ago with his old address. He owns his current home free and clear. No outstanding debts.

answered on Oct 5, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss.
Even though this seems like a simple questions it is not. It is actually a very complicated question because the law is very complicated. It is complex in order to make certain that none of the people involved are committing fraud.
So, In order to... View More
The intent was for them to regain strength and return to a senior facility in Wyoming. If they die here are they subject to Arizona laws such a probate for estate? The Will was created in Wyoming with only money as assets.

answered on Sep 23, 2020
Residency is a facts and circumstances test. However, a Last Will which was created in Wyoming, will generally work in Arizona, if residency has changed.
Probate will depend upon whether or not the beneficiaries have control over the assets. There are many ways to find out about... View More
My ex mother in law died in a car accident 3 days ago, she didnt have a will but has stated to multiple people that I was the one that she wanted to be executor. she was suppose to get in writing but died before doing so. She was living with her boyfriend who is a drug addict and was abusive to... View More

answered on Sep 23, 2020
I am sorry for your loss.
Unfortunately, when people do not put their wishes in writing, problems arise. What she said before her death, without written proof, may no longer apply. Her children are the best ones to open probate to get control of her assets. I recommend working with... View More
The original Will allowed his wife to remain in the home until her death and then property would be transferred to us. 2 weeks before he died he changed the Will and left everything to her. We believe coercion was involved? What are our rights? How do we find out who his attorney is?

answered on Sep 19, 2020
The first thing to do is to see the original will. If the wife has it she will need to submit it to probate court and the Clerk will then have the original. You have a right to see it and to question it, especially under the circumstances. One question I have is the value of the house, in... View More
Vehicle and some money, no other assets or debts. He and siblings are obviously heirs but do they need to officiate that they are? They need to get hos vehicle out of impound asap but only in dads name.

answered on Sep 2, 2020
The time constraint adds an element that is more difficult to address without probate. However, here is some good information for small estates; the only things is the decedent has to be dead for at least 30 days for it to be used:
https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/prob_pbse1/... View More
My aunt has passed, The trust supposedly states no monies to paid out until he dies. Can we get past that?

answered on Aug 28, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss.
Generally speaking, when a husband and wife set up a trust the Trust is written so that the Trust assets stay in the trust, until both of them are gone.
If you believe that there are problems with this Trust, then I strongly urge you to bring a copy... View More
My sister is not cooperating with me at all. She claims all papers including his Will, and Death Certificates were destroyed in a mysterious house fire last year. My dad left some property and money behind and I believe my sister has been lying about everything.

answered on Aug 24, 2020
Good afternoon,
Since your Dad was a New Jersey resident you need a New Jersey lawyer to assist. Perhaps the lawyer could start with a letter to your sister. I recommend one of my law school classmates who is licensed in New Jersey, Micahel D. Carroll. Give him a call or send an email:... View More

answered on Aug 18, 2020
What are you saying? Is the person a green card holder (LPR) or is the peson an illegal? A person can not be both.
If the person is an LPR with conditions s/he must remove the conditions by filing a waiver of the joint filing requirement.
If the person is a 10 year green card... View More
they haven't been together in over 7 years and they only dated for 4. I can't even believe he had her on the account in the first place. Also, it was in a money market account not his checking shouldn't the money market account have a different beneficiary

answered on Aug 7, 2020
You could challenge the beneficiary designation. It may be difficult though and would heavily depend on the facts of your situation. You should consult a probate litigation attorney.
The deed is a joint tenancy with rights of survivorship. His ex wife never had her name removed from deed. So would the house automatically still go to her?

answered on Jun 25, 2020
It should not go to the ex wife because of the divorce decree and because the divorce automatically terminated her right of survivorship under Arizona law. But she is now in a position to possibly take advantage. I recommend contacting a probate attorney immediately to take action to protect this... View More

answered on Jun 25, 2020
If the small estate affidavit is for real property, then yes. You also have the option of opening a normal probate if you do not want to wait that timeframe.
He has an old trailer I need to sell or give away.

answered on Jun 25, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss.
Motor vehicles has a small estate affidavit process which will probably work for you. There is a maximum value of $75,000 to use the Affidavit. However, as a result of COVID 19, MVD is not open. There are many independent vehicle title companies throughout... View More
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