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5 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Texas on
Q: My dad passed away in June, I have his Durable power of attorney. No Will . I want to sell his house. Can I do this?

My late brother's children sent me a letter asking for their fair share of the estate. Do I need permission from them to sell my parent's house if I am the only remaining member of our immediate family, as my mom passed last year, and my brother in 2013?

Gratia "Grace" P. Schoemakers
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answered on Nov 5, 2024

You will have to follow your dad's will, and probate it. Presuming he had a will. If he had no will, then the laws of intestacy of your state will govern who gets what. You will not be able to use the POA to sell the house, a POA "dies" when the person granting it died. You will have... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Oregon on
Q: My friend is the beneficiary of his sister's estate. The Trustee is not giving him any information. Can he replace her?

She sends him 150 dollars a week on a card. The will clearly stated upon my death, but he has received no money other than the 150 a week which he cannot live on. She has repeatedly threatened to sell the house which was left to him.

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Nov 4, 2024

It's possible that your friend could go to Court to have the Trustee removed. However, the most cost-effective thing is for him to work with the Trustee. It's a very good idea for your friend to hire a probate attorney to review the Trust and advise him of his rights. If the trust is... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Tax Law for California on
Q: What is a trustee called after the grantor dies? The trustee was also listed as a co trustee.

Living trust has stocks worth 1.5 million. The financial institution wants to divide all stocks and move into beneficiaries account. When beneficiaries sell stock do they pay capital gains from stocks original purpose or from date received forward? Or is it better to sell all stocks and distribute... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Nov 4, 2024

The legal term “Trustee” is the title of the person with the right to handle assets in the trust and who must fulfill all the legal duties associated with that right. The word “Co-Trustee” means there are two people serving together as Trustees. They may have to do everything together or... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Texas on
Q: My wife’s father put his 24 acres of land into an irrevocable trust with himself, his wife & one grandson as trustees.

He has 3 adult children & 4 other grandchildren.

Is it possible to break the trust upon his and his wife’s death & share the approx $1,000,000 worth of land equally between his 3 children or 5 grandchildren or all?

He is 95 & he created the trust 10 or more years ago... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Nov 4, 2024

If all parties agree - all beneficiaries and all trustees - the trust can be terminated. If any party objects, the party seeking to terminate the trust must bring a lawsuit to terminate the trust and have a valid reason for doing so. Otherwise, the trust will continue to exist until the date of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Puerto Rico on
Q: Took a loan to buy a house w/gifted down-payment from a live in partner. Can live in partner claim co ownership later?

Before entering into real estate purchase, live in partner expressed verbally that even though only 1 person was entering a mortgage contract that any contributions made to improve the property will be compensated and accounted for before any profits of sale was split between the two parties. And... View More

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Nov 4, 2024

I am inferring from your question that your then live-in partner does not appear on the sales deed. If this is the case, your live in partner does not have a participation right in the real estate property, although he can have a right to receive repayment of the amount that he provided for the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: I had to let a few of my credit cards go, would it be best to form an LLC to protect my assets?
Gregory Christopher Poulos
Gregory Christopher Poulos
answered on Nov 3, 2024

It would provide no benefit at all. In fact, trying to move your assets when in this type of situation is likely to be considered a fraudulent conveyance. In Arizona, those laws can apply both civil and criminal penalties. There are also fraudulent conveyance statutes under the bankruptcy laws.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for California on
Q: Lender added me on the deed as trustee along with my mother on my mother’s trust and on the loan as a co-borrower.

I’m named in my mother’s trust as successor trustee along with siblings. Is this the correct procedure. If not how to correct.

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Oct 30, 2024

No, that is not the correct procedure. Among other things, the real estate should be titled in the trust. There are a lot of legal issues in your question including there may be too many people named as Successor Trustees (depending on the number of siblings.) Your mother really needs to see an... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for New York on
Q: Grandfather died. My mother who was his listed as the beneficiary died 9 days after him? He had no will. What happens?

He has 3 other children who are full siblings to my mother. This is in Brooklyn NY, NYC.

Uncle says life insurance payout is on hold because they need my mother's death certificate.

Uncles not forthcoming with information and seem to be trying to get death certificate without me knowing.

Jason  Turchin
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answered on Nov 8, 2024

Sorry to hear about your loss. Generally the first beneficiary would be entitled to the proceeds. Since she died after, it is possible that her estate can make the claim. See if she had a Will. If so, that may dictate what happens to the distribution of the benefits and who would be the personal... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for California on
Q: Would it be best to let it go through probate as I'm the only child? Thanks for the advice.

Hi there. My parents disinherited me a decade ago for divorcing my very abusive ex. They are strict Catholics and don't believe in divorce, regardless of the situation. They let me know that they have left everything to my son. I am the only child and my son is the only grandchild. My question... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Oct 30, 2024

Here's the rule: everyone has the right to do whatever they want with their own assets unless they have a debt or contract requiring them to pay someone. That means you can do whatever you want with your own money -- and so can all parents. It's THEIR assets. Legally, if they want to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for California on
Q: Was contacted by a private detective relating to about my late Dad /?Aunt estate/ to contact the attorney

I called a private detective he referred me to an attorney that needed to prove that I was my dad‘s daughter. I sent her proof and then she referred me to another attorney since a client already hired her in the matter she did not enclosed any kind of information so I contacted this attorney, and... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Oct 30, 2024

It sounds like you are a surviving heir to the estate of your aunt and may be entitled to notice of the probate proceed and potentially compensation. Due to the death of your father, this has become more complicated and involves you and your siblings, if you have any. You may be entitled to some... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Georgia on
Q: I was named to be executor in Georgia for a friends estate. Her son is in objecting to this. I no longer want to be….

the executor. I haven’t been appointed yet and want to resign from this. Too much hassle. Can I do this?

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Oct 29, 2024

You cannot be forced to be the executor. Make sure that you turn over the original will to the probate court and let the court know that you are declining the appointment as executor. If your friend's son is already in possession of the original will, let him know that you do not want to be... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for New York on
Q: Grandfather died on October 6. My mother who is one of 4 Children of his died October 15.

Far as I know he had no will. Life insurance policy had no beneficiary and bank accounts totaling 90,000 plus are currently frozen. Is my mother legally owed any of the money. Also there's another policy that has not been claimed. What happens if my mother is named a beneficiary?

We... View More

Benjamin Z. Katz
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answered on Oct 27, 2024

When there is no beneficiary named, the account will be paid to the decedent’s estate. If there is no Will, someone must apply to the Surrogate’s Court for Letters of Administration. The priority of who may apply is 1) Spouse, 2) Children, 3) Parents, 4) Siblings. The grating of Letters of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Tennessee on
Q: Clamming land that was quite clammed deeded and now person's are dead

A portion of property from original property was quite claim deeded to persons that are now dead . How to go about getting that piece of land back

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Oct 25, 2024

There are too many facts missing from your narrative to answer your question in any definitive way. As to each name on the deed an attorney would need to know if the person died testate or intestate, where he or she died, whether the estate was ever probated and where, if the death was recent... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Oregon on
Q: My mom's will had language that indicates that we don't need to do probate. Do we have to anyway?

The language:

In Article VI, C Mom's will says "I authorize and empower my Personal Representative to seland transfer any or all of my property, real and personal as I the discretion of my Personal Representative may reasonably be necessary for the payment of claims, expenses of... View More

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Oct 25, 2024

Please accept my condolences for your mom's passing. Unfortunately, that provision in your mom's Will doesn't avoid the probate process. The person (or company) named as Personal Representative has no authority until they are appointed by the probate Court.

Some assets may...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Oregon on
Q: My mom's will had language that indicates that we don't need to do probate. Do we have to anyway?

The language:

In Article VI, C Mom's will says "I authorize and empower my Personal Representative to seland transfer any or all of my property, real and personal as I the discretion of my Personal Representative may reasonably be necessary for the payment of claims, expenses of... View More

Vincent J. Bernabei
Vincent J. Bernabei
answered on Oct 24, 2024

Probate is not always necessary. For example, if the deceased person owned bank accounts or property with another person, the surviving co-owner often will then own that property automatically. If a person dies leaving very few assets, such as personal belongings or household goods, these items can... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: In California a couple owns all assets (cash and home) in joint. Do they need a durable power of attorney?
Rebecca Sommer
Rebecca Sommer
answered on Oct 24, 2024

Yes.

First, chances are there's something you forgot that isn't joint - for example, any 401k or IRA is individual by definition. Or perhaps there are utilities that are only in one person's name. In order to access those in cases of incapacity, a spouse needs the POA....
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: What if I do not know where or what the estate/trust of my late fathers. But was contacted by an attorney .

Which has not enclosed any information about this matter besides asking me to provide proof that am his heir (only) . Now they were to get ahold of me but have not nor returning my wail or phone calls. How do I get information about this matter would help?

Cordia Lynn Farrell
Cordia Lynn Farrell
answered on Oct 23, 2024

It is possible that the attorney who initially contacted you had consulted with someone looking to claim your late father’s assets and wanted to confirm if you were related and alive so that you may have a claim to your late father’s assets as an heir or beneficiary of his Will or Trust. It is... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning on
Q: Mother dieS. Estate goes to husband. If spouse has died estate goes to 2 adult children in equal share. EXECUTOR Daughte

Father Dies. Estate goes to Mother. If spouse has died estate goes to 2 adult children. Executors Son and Dauther. Parents both received post settlements 10 yrs later. one 10,000 and the other 200,000. Who's will for executor and beneficiary amounts takes precedence. Mother died first and... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Oct 22, 2024

Most State's intestacy laws do not vest all property in surviving spouse. Property owned by Tenants By The Entirety or Joint Tenancy With Right of Survivorship would go to surviving spouse. Hire an attorney to advise on the relevant laws and who should have got what. There is no executor... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: How to get reimburse for estate related expenses after Summary Administration order?

Florida. Will directs all estate related expenses to come from estate, not from me alone (I am one of two beneficiaries and the PR named in the will). I paid 100% of all estate-related expenses totaling around $50k and my sibling (the other beneficiary) paid nothing. The only "asset" in... View More

Lauren Nagel Richardson
Lauren Nagel Richardson
answered on Oct 22, 2024

You can ask the closing agent to include all the estate expenses to be put on the closing statement when the house is sold, and if your sibling doesn't sign the closing statement, then the closing cannot take place. That is your leverage. The closing statement is the last opportunity for you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Utah on
Q: if i inherited my mothers house and the ooan is still in her name 8 years after her death is there a way to discharge th

The loan? Is there any way that the statue of limitations has reached its expiration date since the loan is not in my name?

Wesley Winsor
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Wesley Winsor
answered on Oct 21, 2024

It sounds like you're dealing with the process of managing ownership and financial responsibilities for a property following the passing of your mother. Here's a summary of the key points and steps you might consider:

1. **Determine Property Ownership:**

- Check if the...
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