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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: I just found out my spouse has been sued and already received a default judgement. They seized monies out of his accoun

We live in Texas. Can they try and take our house because it is is both of our names? We have been separated for over a year and plan on divorcing later this year when my daughter turns 18. Don't know what to do about my house to make sure it is secure.

Ronald Lee Baranski Jr
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

No Texas Constitution protects your homestead from most creditors except property tax liens and HOA liens, and I believe a child support lien attaches and does not need to be renewed every 10 years. Any normal creditor can not seize your homestead for nonpayment. They can execute against bank... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Libel & Slander and Probate for Texas on
Q: Our parents died 37 hours apart in 2018. Their will was basic and simple just naming the other as beneficiary.

My then new born brother was named the executor. 67 years later both parents passed within 37 hours. Our mother was mentally incapacitated. My brother began his role as executor even though he had a long history of drug abuse, had been batteling cancer for 7 years in poor health. The farm was... View More

Ronald Lee Baranski Jr
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

I'm sorry for your loss, In Texas a Will must be submitted for probate within 4 years unless the applicant can show a valid reason as to why it was delayed. Here there was no probate. I would be interested in how the brother divided anything if it involved real property. Though he could write... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Collections and Probate for Kentucky on
Q: My father passed with unknown debts. my mother is still alive and living on the property. Can they take the property?

We arent sure what debts are out there. We got a notice from an Estate Information Serivce trying to reach someone about my father's estate. We havent contacted anyone. But i want to know if my mother and their home is safe.

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Mar 31, 2024

Depends on whose name the property is in. You need to run a credit report on dad and see what debts you can ascertain are owed. Until you determine exactly what debts are owed, the property is far from safe or secure.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for California on
Q: Is it illegal to hold back my signature to sell property held in a trust for reasons other than I disagree w/the terms?

I am a beneficiary in my grandparents trust, and it states that all beneficiaries must agree upon the sale of real property before it can be sold. My brother, who is also a beneficiary and a trustee, basically snaked half of my inheritance. I didn't have the money to contest anything or try to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

Under California law, as a beneficiary of a trust, you generally have the right to review and approve the terms of any sale of trust property. If the trust agreement requires all beneficiaries to agree to the sale of real property, you are not obligated to sign off on the sale unless you agree with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Arizona on
Q: Since my dad died does my mom get my paternal grandpa’s inheritance?

My dad died 8 years after my grandpa before any disbursements. The trust says it will go to his children and grandchildren. There is also a part that mentions children preceding him in death and living issues getting their portion. My mom thinks since my dad was alive when my grandpa died that she... View More

Gregory Christopher Poulos
Gregory Christopher Poulos
answered on Mar 31, 2024

In Arizona, an inheritance is generally considered to be separate property when received. If that applies your father's inheritance did not become community property. Therefore your mother is not entitled to the inheritance. However, in Arizona, spouses have significant inheritance rights and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for New York on
Q: If I set up a Totten trust with the executor of my estate as the beneficiary of my various financial accounts can she,

upon my death use all the various funds to pay my heirs without her paying gift taxes. Thank you for your time and attention.

Nina Whitehurst
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Where can I find HUD approved language for a Living Trust to protect the lender and the HUD insured Reverse Mortgage?

Where can I find HUD approved language for a Living Trust to protect the lender and the HUD insured Reverse Mortgage? I believe this language is in a sample/template/boilerplate somewhere because the protection will be the virtually the same in every case. I would like to draft my Living Trust... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Mar 29, 2024

Please allow me to address your comment that you want to draft your own trust. I regularly tell clients that there are several legal documents that a template would work for, assuming the template is based on the correct state's law. But estate planning is unfortunately not one of those areas... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Where can I find HUD approved language for a Living Trust to protect the lender and the HUD insured Reverse Mortgage?

Where can I find HUD approved language for a Living Trust to protect the lender and the HUD insured Reverse Mortgage? I believe this language is in a sample/template/boilerplate somewhere because the protection will be the virtually the same in every case. I would like to draft my Living Trust... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

Finding HUD approved language for incorporating into a Living Trust, especially to protect both the lender and the HUD insured Reverse Mortgage, can be a focused task. Generally, such language is detailed in HUD's guidelines or provided by legal resources familiar with real estate and elder... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Probate for Ohio on
Q: My father died in a car accident in August, disinherited my brother and I in his will..

He left everything to my children (two minors ages 8 and 6) to be held in trust until they reach 30 years old. He owns a home which I know he would want to be kept for them. He named a family friend to serve as the Executor of the will and Trustee for the kids. Well we were evicted from the place... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 30, 2024

In your situation, it's crucial to understand that the legal dynamics surrounding estates, trusts, and real estate can be complex, especially when it involves minors and inherited property. Given the urgency of your eviction and the specific circumstances, seeking legal advice from an attorney... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Texas on
Q: Can we un-staple "Durable Power of Attorney" "Directive to Physician", "Medical Power of Attorney" for photo copying?

I got the "Statutory Durable Power of Attorney" "Directive to Physician", and "Medical Power of Attorney" documents done today. When I asked for additional copies, the secretary unstapled the documents and made copies. Is this acceptable? I was told it is fine for... View More

Ronald Lee Baranski Jr
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answered on Mar 28, 2024

Yes everything but the Will. In Texas the Probate Court clerk is supposed to review the Will and make notes when filed if staples appear to have been replaced, etc. As for the Durable Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney and Healthcare Directive these documents are commonly unstapled and... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Connecticut on
Q: Which state to file probate case in?

My father was a resident of Connecticut and owned property there, but was recovering in a short term rehab near me in Massachusetts at the time of his death. I can't seem to get a straight answer on which state I need to file a probate case. He was only in Massachusetts 68 days and intended to... View More

Gerald Shea
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Gerald Shea
answered on Mar 28, 2024

Your father's domicile controls, which is where he lived with an intent to return. If he has a CT condo, receives mail there and intended to return, then probate court for the town of his Connecticut residence would have jurisdiction.

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Connecticut on
Q: Which state to file probate case in?

My father was a resident of Connecticut and owned property there, but was recovering in a short term rehab near me in Massachusetts at the time of his death. I can't seem to get a straight answer on which state I need to file a probate case. He was only in Massachusetts 68 days and intended to... View More

Steven Basche
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Steven Basche
answered on Mar 28, 2024

Based on the information you provided, you would be better off filing in Connecticut. It sounds to me that he was a resident of Connecticut, and was only temporarily in Massachusetts. Also, because he has assets in Connecticut, the Connecticut probate court, would certainly have jurisdiction.

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Connecticut on
Q: Which state to file probate case in?

My father was a resident of Connecticut and owned property there, but was recovering in a short term rehab near me in Massachusetts at the time of his death. I can't seem to get a straight answer on which state I need to file a probate case. He was only in Massachusetts 68 days and intended to... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 28, 2024

Consult with a probate attorney in CT for advice on venue. Sometimes it is better to venue shop, especially in view of estate creditors and asset location. Or it may make no difference except to the fiduciary's convenience.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: Is their common law marriage or cohabitation rights in Michigan?

My father is 84 years old in the early stages of demensia/Alzheimers. He has a girlfriend (58 yrs old) who has lived with him for approximately 6 years. If my father goes into a nursing home or passes what rights will she have, if any? To my knowledge, he has a will that my mother and him put... View More

Douglas E. Kuthy
Douglas E. Kuthy
answered on Mar 27, 2024

There is no such thing as common law marriage in MIchigan. There are no rights obtained from co-habitation. You appear to be on the right path but I would suggest that you also have a complete estate plan prepared for him including a trust while he is still competent enough to know what he is... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate for California on
Q: CA is a will needed? What will happen without a will? no family, artist, writer.

Will a letter of intent work for personal items, manuscript, etc instead of a will? Would a make your own will work, what form/doc is needed? Or does one need to go through a do your own legal office? Price? OR make some kind of real, more expensive will. IS lawyer needed? Due to no family what... View More

Karn Thapar
Karn Thapar
answered on Mar 26, 2024

It is highly recommended that you have either a will or a living trust in place to transfer assets after passing. A will must be probated through the courts, so a living trust is another option which allows you to bypass probate if set up properly. What documentation you need is highly dependent... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate for California on
Q: CA is a will needed? What will happen without a will? no family, artist, writer.

Will a letter of intent work for personal items, manuscript, etc instead of a will? Would a make your own will work, what form/doc is needed? Or does one need to go through a do your own legal office? Price? OR make some kind of real, more expensive will. IS lawyer needed? Due to no family what... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

In California, if you pass away without a will (intestate), your assets are distributed according to state laws, which typically means your closest relatives will inherit. However, if you have no family, your estate may escheat, or revert, to the state. Personal items, manuscripts, and artworks... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Minnesota on
Q: My husband and I need to make a will or trust and we don't know where to start.

We don't have a large or very complicated estate, I don't think, and we only have 1 heir that everything will go to (our 23 year old son, who does not live with us). But we do have our house and also some land in another state, in addition to the normal retirement accounts, savings... View More

Neil P Thompson
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Neil P Thompson
answered on Mar 25, 2024

Yours appears to be a straight forward basic estate plan, one that a Will plan would work well. The property in another is or can be problematic and a review of which state the property is in would be necessary. That being said a basic will, power of attorney and health care directive for each of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Divorce and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: Does a power of attorney allow someone to sign real estate documents for sale if joint owner of home is in jail in CT?

My husband and I are divorcing. We put our house on the market and it is scheduled to close on 5/1. He was arrested on 3/20 and is in jail because he has a $2million cash bond. Unless he changed the estate plan, I have POA. Can I sign for the closing/deed if he is in jail?

Steven Basche
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Steven Basche
answered on Mar 25, 2024

If you have the original POA, with the actual original signature, and it has not been revoked, you could use it to sign the deed for your closing. You should check with your husband to verify that it has not been revoked, and you should give the original POA to your closing attorney for review.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Is it possible to kick an ex out of our house and off the deed/mortgage?

We live together in Ohio and have one minor child and are not married and never were. My ex refuses to leave and also will not pay the mortgage (his agreed half of the bills when we bought the home).

How can I get my EX name off the property since I have been the only one paying the... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Mar 25, 2024

What you want to do is not impossible. It is however highly improbable. What you will need to do as file and action called partition period you should seek out attorney who regularly practices real estate law in your county. It would be better still if that attorney practices family law. You only... View More

Q: What type of attorney do I need to file law suits on those who illegally and knowingly let another assume my nok rights

I want to make the parties involved accountable for the pain and suffering im living day to day after my sons death. I spoke to all parties..i signed release of body for cremation yet they let another person step in and

assume my role. They then told all parties not to speak to me or... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2024

In a situation like yours, where you're dealing with issues around next of kin rights and the legal aftermath of a loved one's death, you would benefit from consulting with an attorney who has experience in family law and estate matters. This type of lawyer can help you navigate the... View More

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