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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: My dad and mother share a life estate and are divorced, but they are leaving their life estate to their 3 children. The

Land is currently in one piece, not designated into 3 as to who gets which piece. My sister is wanting to build a house on her piece that she will get but my mom is refusing to designate who gets what piece because she says it will break the life estate. Will drawing up the tract and designating... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 17, 2024

If Mom and Dad only have life estates, then none of their issue will get anything at their deaths. Hire a GA attorney to search that title and determine ownership. If you stated the facts correctly, then nobody wants to build on the tract. Who is the remainderman?

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for Florida on
Q: I have an enhanced life estate document that was notarized for my father's house. the notary acknowledgment may incorre

the notary acknowledgment may incorrect. The “forgoing instrument” is missing and it only says the person is known to me and produced a drivers license. Is that ok and is the document valid. I live in Florida.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

In Florida, the notarization of documents, including enhanced life estate deeds, must adhere to certain standards to ensure their validity. A key element of notarization is the acknowledgment section, where the notary confirms the identity of the signer and that the signer understands and willingly... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: My husband of 30yrs died and the bank says I have no right to the money in his bank accounts. We live in Jacksonville.

My husband was sick in Jacksonville so I came back from Colombia where I was visiting my family. He just died. But I'm not the Beneficiary on his bank account or any accounts. The bank says I cannot access any of the money in our account since my name isn't on. It. What rights do I have?... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Apr 16, 2024

I am very sorry for your loss on the passing of your husband, please accept my condolences for you and your family at this difficult and sad time. You will need to speak with a Florida Probate Attorney, based on the type of assets and their value will determine the type of probate that is needed,... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: My husband of 30yrs died and the bank says I have no right to the money in his bank accounts. We live in Jacksonville.

My husband was sick in Jacksonville so I came back from Colombia where I was visiting my family. He just died. But I'm not the Beneficiary on his bank account or any accounts. The bank says I cannot access any of the money in our account since my name isn't on. It. What rights do I have?... View More

Jamy Barreau
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Please accept my condolences for your loss. Because the bank account was in your husband's name alone, you will have to go through the probate process to gain access. As his wife, you have a right to inherit from him, but you will just have to go through the courts to have that taken care of... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: My husband of 30yrs died and the bank says I have no right to the money in his bank accounts. We live in Jacksonville.

My husband was sick in Jacksonville so I came back from Colombia where I was visiting my family. He just died. But I'm not the Beneficiary on his bank account or any accounts. The bank says I cannot access any of the money in our account since my name isn't on. It. What rights do I have?... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Apr 17, 2024

You should make a list of all assets that your husband owned at death. If your husband had a will then property would pass under that will. If he did not have a will, then the assets would pass under the intestate laws of Florida. As a spouse, if a will exists, you either can take under the will or... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Tax Law and Collections for Iowa on
Q: Could someone help with tax audit concerns and potential either fraud or actual Bonds and assets owed to me or family?

I'm in a very compromising concerning tax situation this year for 2023 apparently I have been investor IRS tax fraud as a beginning 2019 tax return 2020 and 23 I did file my tax return for 23 where was then audited and still currently being audited for tax fraud and investigation I don't... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2024

It sounds like you are dealing with a complex and stressful tax situation. Here are a few suggestions for next steps:

1. Gather all relevant tax documents and records, including past returns, W-2s, 1099s, receipts, etc. Having everything organized will help in addressing the audit....
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Banking and Probate for California on
Q: Completing a small business affidavit. What are the chances of it working?

Deceased died in 2021. At death his business bank account had 180,000. No other property. A few weeks prior, he told girl friend to pay debts to 2 people totaling 46,000. One is a court order of $36,000, the other is a loan repayment. She didn't do it before he died. His children want to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems the deceased's estate might qualify for the small estate affidavit procedure in California, as the total value of the estate appears to be under the $184,500 limit (as of 2023). However, there are a few potential issues to consider:

1....
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: is it best to make a co-trustee for deeded valuable timeshare or put title under family trust
Karn Thapar
Karn Thapar
answered on Apr 15, 2024

The answer to this question is unfortunately not straightforward. It really depends on how your family trust is/will be structured. Furthermore, you may be able to title the property under a family trust and then have a co-trustee assist you with financial and other decision making. Married... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: is it best to make a co-trustee for deeded valuable timeshare or put title under family trust
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2024

Under California law, the best approach for handling a valuable timeshare depends on your specific circumstances and goals. Here are some considerations for each option:

1. Adding a co-trustee to the timeshare deed:

- Allows for joint management and decision-making regarding the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can money be gifted to a irrevocable trust ?

I have 3 questions:

1) Can money be gifted to a irrevocable trust?

If so

2) Is their a maximum amount allowed to be gifted in a certain period e.g like yearly etc?

3) Can a trustee and beneficiary to the same trust also gift money to the same trust?

Thank you

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2024

Yes, money can be gifted to an irrevocable trust. However, there are some important considerations and limitations:

1. Gift tax exemption: As of 2024, an individual can gift up to $18,000 per recipient per year without triggering the need to file a gift tax return or pay gift taxes. This is...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Alabama on
Q: Mom died without a Will. She has a home with a mortgage and a car.

Probate has been opened and I’m the personal representative. My sibling took my moms car without my knowledge and won’t bring it back so that it can be sold. What are my options? Can I go and get the car? Can I withhold any money distribution until it’s brought back?

James Blount Griffin
James Blount Griffin
answered on Apr 12, 2024

That vehicle, if titled solely in the name of the decedent, is the estate's property. If you are personal representative, you are responsible to the estate, the court, the creditors, and the heirs to reclaim lost property. When there is no will, your duty to and supervision by the probate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for South Carolina on
Q: What legal action can we take?

My daddy put his place of business that had a house on the land in my sister name so her son could go to a different school. The verbal agreement was that she would sign it back to him when her son graduated. Me and my brother lived in the house. My brother passed away in December and the same day... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

Based on the information you provided, there are several potential legal actions you and your father may be able to take. However, it's essential to consult with a local attorney who specializes in property law and estate matters to determine the best course of action for your specific... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Help!! Homeless locked out of inherited house co-owned with estate exec.who never did title change, no partition fille

Sister wants to sell never transferred title so neither own it...she kept all documents... want to buy her out court had granted stay but she got it vacated lying to Court that i paid for nothing. Can I get vacate reconsidered? Like to live in home and reach agreement to buy her out.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation. Here are a few key points and suggestions based on California law:

1. Title transfer: If the property was inherited and never properly transferred into your and your sister's names, the estate executor should have initiated a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Help!! Homeless locked out of inherited house co-owned with estate exec.who never did title change, no partition fille

Sister wants to sell never transferred title so neither own it...she kept all documents... want to buy her out court had granted stay but she got it vacated lying to Court that i paid for nothing. Can I get vacate reconsidered? Like to live in home and reach agreement to buy her out.

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Apr 30, 2024

Thank you for asking the question!

A. To have a partition, there must be some sort of tenancy in common (e.g., joint tenancy or tenancy in common).

You need to get the title of your property through either a. non-probate (which is much shorter and not applicable to all cases); or...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Family Law for New York on
Q: Are wills -- download forms printed from online legal?

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,

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
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

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Social Security for Florida on
Q: My son is 45 and on disability ss. I would like to be able to leave a small amount of money in a trust for him.

Can I do that without affecting his ss and even though he lives in florida can the person handling the trust live in New york?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

Yes, you can set up a special needs trust for your son without affecting his eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid benefits. A special needs trust, also known as a supplemental needs trust, is designed to provide financial support for a person with a disability while... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: My Father was narcissistic. How do I get my house back

Panic attacks,social anxiety claimed disabled dependent. He told me to stay in the house so nobody could see my face. 1999 they had a irrevoocicable life insurance trust Second to die policy made. The house I lived in over 30 years was given to me. My dad remarried after her death.New wife was... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Apr 10, 2024

If the home belonged to your father, he could do whatever he wanted with it. Unfortunately, transferring real estate from one person to another MUST be in writing. [Verbal agreements are acceptable in other areas of the law, but they are not enforceable to transfer real estate from one owner to... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: My Father was narcissistic. How do I get my house back

Panic attacks,social anxiety claimed disabled dependent. He told me to stay in the house so nobody could see my face. 1999 they had a irrevoocicable life insurance trust Second to die policy made. The house I lived in over 30 years was given to me. My dad remarried after her death.New wife was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 10, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about your distressing situation and all the hardships you've endured. Being forcibly removed from your home after enduring abuse must have been traumatic. Living out of your vehicle while dealing with mental health struggles sounds incredibly difficult.

Given...
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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: My Father was narcissistic. How do I get my house back

Panic attacks,social anxiety claimed disabled dependent. He told me to stay in the house so nobody could see my face. 1999 they had a irrevoocicable life insurance trust Second to die policy made. The house I lived in over 30 years was given to me. My dad remarried after her death.New wife was... View More

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on May 9, 2024

Thank you for asking the question!

1. Was the home transferred properly to you after 30 years?

There are necessary elements for a deed to be valid:

1. A sufficient writing of the names of granite and grants, operative words of conveyance, and sufficient description of the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Texas on
Q: Is this true when a widow and late Husband has no children, everything goes to widow in Texas.

My late husband and I had no children, I was told that his employer is plan administrator, trustee, and fiduciary of my late Husband's estate. I have w2's and copies of tax statements, showing my late husband has a retirement plan, differed compensation, and a pension. According to... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 10, 2024

Not entirely.

If a Husband dies without a Will and with no surviving issue (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.), 100% of the community property in his probate estate and 50% of his separate property in his probate estate passes to his surviving widow. The remaining 50% of...
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