Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Estate Planning legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Estate Planning Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Oregon on
Q: as the beneficiary of a loved ones trust how long does the trustee have to supply the mandated financial reports thank u
Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Sep 6, 2024

You should receive an annual trustee's report. Upon your request the trustee has a reasonable time to provide you with relevant trust information. Depending on the complexity of the trust assets and what information you have requested I would expect a response in three to six weeks.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can I take ownership/control of property owned by my sister who is on drugs, brain damaged and lives homeless?

Sister on drugs (lifetime), homeless by choice (brain permanently damaged - drugs). Mom helped her spend her inheritance from father (now deceased) to buy a home for her and her kids. State took her kids from her (due to drugs and mental issues), and she "ran away" from her house to be... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Sep 6, 2024

You'd need to become her conservator. Conservatorships have notice and other requirements to be sure someone isn't "railroading" a relative and becoming a conservator just so they can steal the disabled person's assets. I'm NOT saying that is what you are doing.... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Washington on
Q: In WA State what information does the trustee have to legally disclose to a legal heir on their dad's trust account?

I'm a legal heir in my dad's will. The trustee overseeing his trust account won't provide me with any information on my dad's trust as far as the contents, terms, bank and investments accounts, property and any creditors that have been paid out of my dad's trust account. Thank you

Janta Steele
Janta Steele
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Hello,

RCW 11.98.072 says that a trustee is required to keep beneficiaries of a trust reasonably informed about the administration of the trust. Have you received a copy of the entire trust document yet? Have you sent your request for information to the trustee by letter or email? If so, I...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Idaho on
Q: What is the best way to hold title for a "family compound" to prevent non family members from owning in the future?

I would rather not officially split and subdivide the property. I would like to keep the whole piece in tact yet give my kids who would like to build on the property actual ownership. They also do not want to spend money to build without having ownership.

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 5, 2024

If descendants want to own land then you will have to survey it into multiple tracts. Then hire a very competent lawyer to draft future interest deeds for each tract. Ask him to explain various estates, like: life estate remainder; contingent remainder; executory interests; reverter; and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Florida on
Q: I think I might have been cheated out of an inheritance. How do I find out?

My father passed in April ‘22. I’ve never been sure about what his will said, but the family deal was that we split proceeds x6. I suspect my stepmom changed her will to cut out my brother and I, dad’s only true blood. Stepmom passed this year, and I haven’t heard anything from anyone.... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Sep 5, 2024

I am sorry for your loss and please accept my condolences for you and your family.

Generally, a family deal or promise or similar never works out, it has to be in the estate plan (Will/Trust/Pay on Death Designation or similar).

If there was a Will and probate with your Dad's...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Kentucky on
Q: My dad died 12/06/23, he lived in Allen County, KY, and had no will.

Wife is deceased, has 3 children/heirs, my 2 brothers and I. His assets: $36,500 that he was about to inherit from his mother’s estate, and a 2016 Nissan Versa that needs transmission repairs in order to be drivable. My 2 brothers and I agree that I will be the administrator of his estate. Is it... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Sep 5, 2024

It appears you will not be able to dispense with administration because your dad’s estate is over $30,000, which is the maximum amount of assets that can be dispensed. Contact a local lawyer who can guide you through the process, which should not be terribly complicated given your description.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Texas on
Q: If I am in a trust as a beneficiary but in the will in probate stepmother says she is only beneficiary. Possible?

Dad's will in probate his widow states she is only beneficiary of dad's estate period. Also does not have to provide inventory list since she is ONLY heir. On aff. Of heirship on house she lies and says dad died without a will then 1 month later puts a will thru probate.

James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Sep 5, 2024

It is possible to have both a trust and a will that affect an estate. If you are a named beneficiary in the trust, but your stepmother claims to be the sole beneficiary in the will, it is important to distinguish between what assets the trust controls and what the will governs. Trust assets... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Georgia on
Q: Contest & objection to will same? adding evidence such as a prenup to the will that was probated in Georgia contesting?
Jake  Slowik
Jake Slowik
answered on Sep 11, 2024

In Georgia, introducing a prenup as evidence to a probated will isn't automatically a contest.

Will contest: Formal challenge to will validity (e.g., lack of capacity, undue influence)

Objection: Less formal concern about specific provisions of a will or administration...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Georgia on
Q: Contest & objection to will same? adding evidence such as a prenup to the will that was probated in Georgia contesting?
James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Sep 5, 2024

An objection to a will is known as a caveat. A prenuptial agreement, which is a contract between two parties, may affect the assets that are included in the estate. If there are items in the prenuptial agreement that should not be included in the estate, the rightful owner will need to file a... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Pennsylvania on
Q: My counsel met with opposing attorney & judge in chambers & agreed to something I disagree with. Do I have to accept it?

I wasn't there at the time they met. I arrived after everything was over. I was never consulted. I am opposed to what was agreed to. What are my options?

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Sep 5, 2024

Your lawyer is only your representative, and cannot bind you to anything with which you do not agree.

Get a full explanation of what happened, and after that, explain your position. If counsel balks at your position, you have an absolute right to terminate that attorney and engage another...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Estate Planning and Elder Law for Georgia on
Q: Is it probate fraud to use the "no admin required" for estates above $15,00.00 in GA? 'it is a "license to steal"

I am waiting for a trial date that was moved from Gwinnett to Fayette County. I believe I've been a victim of Probate Fraud. The executor and his lawyer got me to sign a " no administration required" early on. Theses were meant to be used in small estates worth $15,000.00 or less.... View More

James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Sep 3, 2024

There is no monetary limit on a No Administration Necessary filing. The only requirements are:

1. All heirs must agree to the distribution of the assets of the estate.

2. There are no debts of the estate.

3. If there are debts of the estate all creditors have consented to...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Utah on
Q: How do I find out if I was named in a trust? How do I find out if my kids were on a trust?

My dad passed away and prior to his passing, his condo burned down and needed rebuilt. Is there somewhere I can search to find the trust my dad said was set up? I don't have any idea who the trustee is or the executor of his will. I'm concerned his will was destroyed in the fire a year... View More

Wesley Winsor
PREMIUM
Wesley Winsor
answered on Sep 5, 2024

I concur with Mr. Prigmore. Additionally, I would mention that while it is possible, it's quite rare for individuals to file copies of their will or trust with the Court after signing them. Most people value their privacy and choose to keep these documents with their personal belongings,... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Utah on
Q: How do I find out if I was named in a trust? How do I find out if my kids were on a trust?

My dad passed away and prior to his passing, his condo burned down and needed rebuilt. Is there somewhere I can search to find the trust my dad said was set up? I don't have any idea who the trustee is or the executor of his will. I'm concerned his will was destroyed in the fire a year... View More

Kenneth Prigmore
Kenneth Prigmore
answered on Sep 3, 2024

The county recorder will have a record of the most recent deed on the property. This will show if the property is held in a Trust. If it is not in a Trust, you will need to go through Probate to transfer the property.

If you can't find a copy of the Trust, you may have to do a Probate...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Georgia on
Q: If my mom had no will, will it be split up between my dad and I .
James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Sep 3, 2024

Yes, your mother's estate will be split according to the laws of intestacy. The split percentage depends on the number of children your mother had. If you are an only child, you and your father will each get 50%. If there were multiple children, your father will receive no less than 1/3 of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: What is the process for transferring property in Florida? Thank you.

I appreciate advice about the transfer of a property. I was told a warranty deed is needed. I think it may be a new deed that is being prepared. How can I tell if it is done correctly? Thank you so much.

Cesar Mejia Duenas
Cesar Mejia Duenas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2024

Transfer of property in Florida does not need to occur via Warranty Deed. In order to transfer property in Florida, there are three main types of deeds: i. Warranty Deed, ii. Special Warranty Deed, and iii. Quitclaim Deed.

i. Warranty Deed: Provides the highest level of protection,...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: Do I have to give my sister this money?

We’re currently going through probate and she’s demanding that I hand over half of the money I got from my utilities deposit checks even though she wasn’t a member of this house hold. The first check was made out to me, and the second was made out to both me and our father. Please note that... View More

Cesar Mejia Duenas
Cesar Mejia Duenas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2024

You generally don't have to give your sister money from the utility deposit checks, especially if she wasn't part of the household. Since the first check was made out to you, it's yours. The second check, made out to you and your father, might be considered part of his estate, so it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Georgia on
Q: I am trying to find out if the executor of a will. Is allowed to hold all to 10% of the air or beneficiary Inheritance.

It is me being the youngest, my middle brother and my older brother, who is the executor over my mother's will

James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Sep 2, 2024

The executor of an estate is generally entitled to compensation for their services. The amount of compensation is typically outlined in the will. If the will does not specify compensation, Georgia law allows the executor to receive a commission based on a percentage of the value of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: My mom passed away in May and now my stepfather has my personal belongings and family hairlooms. What are my rights

I just want some advice as to what my rights are

James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Sep 2, 2024

If the items in question belong to you personally, your stepfather should not withhold them from you.

You have the right to request the immediate return of your personal property. For items that belonged to your mother and were family heirlooms, the distribution depends on whether she left...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Business Law and Probate for Pennsylvania on
Q: My mother passed in July and I wasn't informed by family members.

I asked for estate planning lawyer and legal records and all I got was a painting dropped off in a war zone. What are my options? She owned assets, including house and car; they kept everything a secret and I'm disabled wit SSDI and constantly threatened by their friends.

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Sep 2, 2024

If there was a Will, it probably should be submitted to the probate court (you don't mention a Will, or whether the property was in your mom's name alone, or some other way).

If probated, the personal representative named in it would probably be appointed by the Court....
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for California on
Q: California. House in a trust with parents. Mother died. Father in charge. I am one of four siblings. Trust Deed?

Father wants me alone to receive house. To avoid lawsuits from brother who will be entirely excluded how does he Grant Deed me the property so Father and I are both Trustors?

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Sep 1, 2024

The fact that you are asking rather than your father will set off alarms. It’s your father’s home to do with as he pleases. If you influence him to give it to you and that’s not what your father would choose to do on his own, then it’s possible you could get sued for undue influence, elder... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.