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Thank you for reading my question. My father passed recently. His lawyer and I are both trustees for his Trust. I need to transfer his house into my name. Lawyer 1 is suggesting only I should sign the warranty deed. Lawyer 2 is stating we both have to sign, since we are both trustees. I appreciate... View More 
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answered on Aug 19, 2024
Read the Trust declaration as amended for requirements of transferring trust corpus. Probably best to have all Trustees execute the Deed. Hopefully the Deed to the Trustees gives them the power to convey without explanation. If not, the title may be clouded later.
answered on Aug 2, 2024
Generally, an "estate attorney" represents the personal representative. So, if the PR has been removed, the attorney's client is no longer a party to the case, assuming the former PR is not also an heir. If that assumption is incorrect, the attorney would still represent the former PR.
I have a simple will that was signed by myself and two witnesses that are not in the will. I did not get this notarized
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answered on Jul 18, 2024
No, there is no legal requirement that a will be notarized; however it is good to have a will notarized in what is called a self proving affidavit so that one of the witnesses does not need to be called when you die and the estate is probated. Nevertheless, the will is good as is.
My brother and I decided to go to probate together. But I am noticing that it seems the attorney is only representing him and not both of us since they sent me a waiver that seems to place everything in his hands. Our mother didn't want to leave him anything. She wanted to leave me what she... View More
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answered on Jul 18, 2024
The attorney cannot represent you and your brother together unless you both sign a waiver waiving any conflict of interests. Although you seem to say that you and your brother decided to enter the probate together, it seems that he is being appointed personal representative and the attorney is... View More
Can the lawyer that organized a Trust, also help the family with Trust Administration years later after the Grantor has passed, or is it necessary to have a different lawyer for the Trust Administration. Thank you for considering my question.
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answered on Jul 18, 2024
It can be the same lawyer who drafted the trust or another lawyer. There is no legal requirement that it has to be the same lawyer.
The notice states: "You are hearby notified that the court entered the following: Certificate of Death and it has a Judge/Clerk note that reads "Court reviews notification of the death of the protectee. Conservator shall file final settlement within 90 days of the date of death of the... View More
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answered on Jul 16, 2024
Hire a MO attorney to check the out the Conservatorship Court File, especially the Final Settlement. Probate may be needed now. You may or may not be a potential beneficiary of her Estate.
Can the executor who was appointed by the heirs as there was no will for an estate, not show bank documents, and use bank funds to fix up a house instead of selling as is if the heirs aren’t in agreement of it? This is in florida
answered on Jun 8, 2024
Here are some key points regarding the duties of a personal representative (the person in charge of handling the estate) and the rights of heirs in such situations:
Duties of the Personal Representative
Fiduciary Duty:
The personal representative has a fiduciary duty to act... View More
We live in Florida. The previous will was made 40 years ago and he did not read or understand it. The second will is fair to his children. I greatly appreciate your advice.
answered on May 27, 2024
I am very sorry for father's illness and his health struggles ongoing. There will be a serious issue with such a Will in Florida, it will not be a valid Will as it does not meet the Florida Statutory requirements of F.S. 732.502 (you can look it up online), what you have described without any... View More
We live in Florida. The previous will was made 40 years ago and he did not read or understand it. The second will is fair to his children. I greatly appreciate your advice.
answered on May 26, 2024
If the document is not witnessed and notarized, it will not be recognized as a will in Florida. Strict compliance with the law regarding wills is necessary for the document to be enforceable as a will.
Schedule a free consultation to make sure your father's estate plan is formalized... View More
answered on May 16, 2024
She should definitely speak with and work close with an estate planning attorney, the answer to your question is maybe/it depends. If your aunt has mental capacity according to her doctor and has times of mental lucidity/comprehension and understanding of what she is doing, then it potentially will... View More
She cannot afford the prices that most seem to charge in her area. $1000.00 up to $8000.00. Any pro bono help or less expensive assistance would be appreciated. She lives in Columbia County, but can travel to Gainesville if need be.
answered on May 14, 2024
Some law offices will work with her based on her circumstances and needs, anyone quoting $8000 for a Will should be crossed off your list for everything forever. Reasonable law offices will try to work with you based on your needs financially and otherwise. I would encourage you to call and or... View More
She cannot afford the prices that most seem to charge in her area. $1000.00 up to $8000.00. Any pro bono help or less expensive assistance would be appreciated. She lives in Columbia County, but can travel to Gainesville if need be.
answered on May 14, 2024
If you think that her income is such that she may qualify for pro bono legal services, you can contact Three Rivers Legal Services to see if she does in fact qualify, and if so, they will find a pro bono attorney who would be willing to prepare a will for her. If not, she can call our office in... View More
However, her boyfriend lives with her and has made his intentions for the house known to me. Although he pays her rent every month, he does so in cash so no trace exists. What am I looking at here in the future? Will he have a claim to the house because he lives there?
answered on May 4, 2024
Since they are not married and he pays monthly rent to your Mom to rent part of the house as a tenant, it sounds like he is a month to month renter, since he is not married he has no rights, since he is not on the deed he has no rights. The house should pass to you via the deed (this needs to be... View More
We want to make sure legally that only 2 of my children and 1 of his split everything 3 ways and for it to be legally binding
answered on Apr 22, 2024
You need to create a Last Will and Testament and/or Revocable Trust to accomplish your goal. If you want to ensure that one child is disinherited I highly recommend that you utilize the services of a legal expert and not an online form. In the alternative, you could title your financial accounts as... View More
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.
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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
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
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
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
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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
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
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
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?
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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
I need it to get the car title put into my name
answered on Apr 9, 2024
It depends on the type of assets that will be part of the estate and what their overall value is which will determine the type of probate, if any, is needed and applicable. The Will may need to be probated and in order to do a probate you likely will need a probate attorney based on the type of... View More
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